bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival and breeding of polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea in relation to sea ice
Authors: Regehr Eric V. , Hunter Christine M. , Caswell Hal , Amstrup Steven C. , Stirling Ian
Published: September 2009

1.Observed and predicted declines in Arctic sea ice have raised concerns about marine mammals. In May 2008, the US Fish and Wildlife Service listed polar bears (Ursus maritimus) – one of the most ice‐dependent marine mammals – as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act.

2.We evaluated the effects of sea ice conditions on vital rates (survival and breeding probabilities) for polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea. Although sea ice declines in this and other regions of the polar basin have been among the greatest in the Arctic, to date population‐level effects of sea ice loss on polar bears have only been identified in western Hudson Bay, near the southern limit of the species’ range.

3.We estimated vital rates using multistate capture–recapture models that classified individuals by sex, age and reproductive category. We used multimodel inference to evaluate a range of statistical models, all of which were structurally based on the polar bear life cycle. We estimated parameters by model averaging, and developed a parametric bootstrap procedure to quantify parameter uncertainty.

4.In the most supported models, polar bear survival declined with an increasing number of days per year that waters over the continental shelf were ice free. In 2001–2003, the ice‐free period was relatively short (mean 101 days) and adult female survival was high (0·96–0·99, depending on reproductive state). In 2004 and 2005, the ice‐free period was longer (mean 135 days) and adult female survival was low (0·73–0·79, depending on reproductive state). Breeding rates and cub litter survival also declined with increasing duration of the ice‐free period. Confidence intervals on vital rate estimates were wide.

5.The effects of sea ice loss on polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea may apply to polar bear populations in other portions of the polar basin that have similar sea ice dynamics and have experienced similar, or more severe, sea ice declines. Our findings therefore are relevant to the extinction risk facing approximately one‐third of the world’s polar bears.
Safety assessment of prucalopride in elderly patients with constipation: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Camilleri M. , Beyens G. , Kerstens R. , Robinson P. , Vandeplassche L.
Published: September 2009

AbstractChronic constipation is common among nursing home residents. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the selective 5HT4receptor agonist prucalopride in elderly, chronically constipated patients in nursing homes. A multicentre, phase II, randomized, double‐blind dose‐escalation study in 89 elderly constipated nursing home residents treated with placebo, 0.5, 1 or 2 mg prucalopride once daily for 28 days was analysed. Adverse events, vital signs, ECG, Holter monitor and pharmacokinetics were assessed (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00627692). Patients’ mean age was 83 years; 88% had a history of cardiovascular diseases. Most frequent adverse events, at least possibly related to prucalopride, were diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Relative to placebo, there were no differences in vital signs, ECG corrected QT interval, ECG morphology parameters, or incidence of supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias on Holter monitoring. Plasma prucalopride concentrations increased proportionally with administered dose. Prucalopride up to 2 mg once daily for 4 weeks was safe and well‐tolerated by constipated elderly patients, with no differencesvsplacebo in ECG or a range of Holter‐monitoring parameters.
Environmental, socio‐demographic and behavioural determinants of malaria risk in the western Kenyan highlands: a case–control study
Authors: Ernst Kacey C. , Lindblade Kim A. , Koech David , Sumba Peter O. , Kuwuor Dickens O. , John Chandy C. , Wilson Mark L.
Published: September 2009

Objective  To identify risk factors for uncomplicated malaria in highland areas of East Africa at higher risk of malaria epidemics, in order to design appropriate interventions.

Methods  Prospective, population‐based, case–control study in the Nandi Hills, a highland area of western Kenya, to identify environmental, sociodemographic and behavioural factors associated with clinical malaria. Data were collected using field observation, a structured questionnaire, and a global positioning system device.

Results  We interviewed 488 cases of slide‐confirmed malaria and 980 age‐matched controls. Multivariate analyses associated higher malaria risk with living <250 m of a forest [OR = 3.3 (95% CI 1.5, 7.1)], <250 m of a swamp [2.8 (1.3, 5.9)], <200 m of maize fields [2.0 (1.2, 3.4)], in the absence of trees <200 m [1.6 (1.2, 2.2)], on flat land [1.6 (1.2, 2.2)], in houses without ceilings [1.5 (1.1, 2.2)], in houses with a separate kitchen building [1.8 (1.4, 2.3)] and in households where the female household head had no education [1.9 (1.1, 3.1)]. Travelling out of the study site [2.2 (1.2, 4.1)] was also associated with increased risk.

Conclusions  In this East African highland area, risk of developing uncomplicated malaria was multifactorial with a risk factor profile similar to that in endemic regions. Households within close proximity to forest and swamp borders are at higher risk of malaria and should be included in indoor residual spraying campaigns.
Reduced oviposition of Aedes aegypti gravid females in domestic containers with predatory fish
Authors: Pamplona Luciano de Góes Cavalcanti , Alencar Carlos H , Lima José Wellington O. , Heukelbach Jörg
Published: September 2009

The presence of pathogens or predators in water may alter oviposition behaviour of gravid female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. We evaluated the oviposition behaviour of A. aegypti in recipients containing larvivorous fish (Betta splendens and Poecilia reticulata). In four breeders, fish specimens were placed in 15 l of dechlorined water. Four control breeders only contained dechlorined water. Breeders with eucatex ovitraps and approximately 100 male and female mosquitoes were placed in wire netting cages. During a period of 7 weeks, eggs on the ovitraps were counted weekly. The median number of eggs laid in recipients with B. splendens (32.5/week) was lower than in those with P. reticulata (200.5/week) and the control group (186.5/week; P < 0.0001). The oviposition activity index (OAI) for P. reticulata did not show any considerable difference between posture in deposits with and without fish (‐0005). Deposits with B. splendens showed a lower position than those used as controls (‐0627). We conclude that B. splendens can be used to effectively prevent gravid A. aegypti females from laying eggs in large water containers.
Intron polymorphism pattern in AOX1b of wild St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) allows discrimination between individual plants
Authors: Ferreira Alexandre Oliveira , Cardoso Hélia Guerra , Macedo Elisete Santos , Breviario Diego , Arnholdt‐Schmitt Birgit
Published: September 2009

The present paper deals with the analysis of natural polymorphism in a selected alternative oxidase (AOX) gene of the medicinal plant, St John's wort. Four partial AOX gene sequences were isolated from the genomic DNA of a wild plant of Hypericum perforatum L. Three genes belong to the subfamily AOX1 (HpAOX1a, b and c) and one to the subfamily AOX2 (HpAOX2). The partial sequence of HpAOX1b showed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragment size variation as a result of variable lengths in two introns. PCR performed by Exon Primed Intron Crossing (EPIC)‐PCR displayed the same two‐band pattern in six plants from a collection. Both fragments showed identical sequences for all exons. However, each of the two introns showed an insertion/deletion (InDel) in identical positions for all plants that counted for the difference in the two fragment sizes. The InDel in intron 1 influenced the predictability of a pre‐microRNA site. The almost identical PCR fragment pattern was characterized by a high variability in the sequences. The InDels in both introns were linked to repetitive intron single nucleotide polymorphisms (ISNP)s. The polymorphic pattern obtained by InDels and ISNPs from both fragments together was appropriate to discriminate between all individual plants. We suggest that AOX sequence polymorphism in H. perforatum can be used for studies on gene diversity and biodiversity. Further, we conclude that AOX sequence polymorphism of individual plants should be considered in biological studies on AOX activity to exclude the influence of genetic diversity. The identified polymorphic fragments are available to be explored in future experiments as a potential source for functional marker development related to the characterization of origins/accessions and agronomic traits such as plant growth, development and yield stability.
Involvement of Phytophthora species in white oak (Quercus alba) decline in southern Ohio
Authors: Balci Y. , Long R. P. , Mansfield M. , Balser D. , MacDonald W. L.
Published: September 2009

This study was initiated to investigate the possible role of Phytophthora species in white oak decline (Quercus alba) in southern Ohio at Scioto Trail State Forest. Surveys demonstrated the presence of four species of Phytophthora including one novel species. By far, the most common species was P. cinnamomi; P. citricola and P. cambivora were isolated infrequently. In few instances, P. cinnamomi was isolated from fine roots and necroses on larger roots. No special pattern of incidence was found, but P. cinnamomi was more commonly isolated from greater Integrated Moisture Index values suggesting moist lower bottomlands favour this Phytophthora species. When tree crown condition was examined relative to the presence of Phytophthora, no significant association was found. However, roots of declining P. cinnamomi‐infested trees had 2.5 times less fine roots than non‐infested and healthy trees, which was significantly different. The population densities of P. cinnamomi from declining trees were significantly greater than from healthy trees, suggesting increased pathogen activity that has the potential to cause dieback and decline and possibly the cause of a reduced fine root amount found on declining trees.
Lactic acid bacteria population in children diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Dicks Leon MT , Fraser Taryn , Doeschate Kim ten , Van Reenen Carol A
Published: September 2009

Aim:  To determine the effect of trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole treatment on the natural population of lactic acid bacteria in the intestinal tract and to determine if any of the strains developed resistance to antibiotics.

Methods:  Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from stool samples of 100 children. The isolates were identified based on biochemical characteristics and DNA profiles obtained from polymerase chain reaction with genus‐ and species‐specific primers. Resistance to sulphamethoxazole, streptomycin, compound sulphonamides, chloramphenicol and vancomycin was tested using the paper‐disk method.

Results:  The lactic acid bacteria were identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, Enterococcus spp. and Weissella spp. Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium spp. were not isolated. All strains, except two, were sensitive to chloramphenicol and streptomycin. Thirty‐five percent of the isolates were resistant to vancomycin, 50% to compound sulphonamides and 66% to sulphamethoxazole.

Conclusion:  Treatment with trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole repressed a large number of lactic acid bacteria normally present in the intestinal tract of children. A number of strains were resistant to sulphamethoxazole and may be used as probiotics to correct the imbalance in lactic acid bacteria.
Caffeine versus theophylline for apnea of prematurity: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Skouroliakou Maria , Bacopoulou Flora , Markantonis Sophia L
Published: September 2009

Aim:  To compare standard doses of theophylline and caffeine for apnea of prematurity in terms of apnea frequency and assess the need for therapeutic drug monitoring.

Methods:  Seventy neonates less than 33 weeks gestation, breathing spontaneously, were randomly assigned (open‐label) to receive either theophylline or caffeine for treatment or prevention of apnea. The primary outcome measure was the difference in apnea frequency between theophylline and caffeine patient groups. Methylxanthine serum levels were measured on the 1st, 3rd and 7th days of therapy and every 7 days thereafter.

Results:  Thirty‐seven neonates received theophylline (T) and 33 caffeine (C) for treatment (8 T/10 C) or prevention of apnea (29 T/23 C). Treatment with either methylxanthine significantly decreased apnea events (T, P= 0.012; C, P= 0.005) while only C prophylaxis appeared to control apnea in infants at risk. Analysis of combined (treatment plus prophylaxis) data showed a significant decrease in apnea frequency only in those infants receiving caffeine (P= 0.001). However, there was no sustained benefit of C over T beyond the first week of therapy.

T and C concentrations (2.2–13.9 mg/L; 5.5–23.7 mg/L, respectively) in the majority of cases fell within the recommended therapeutic ranges and were not significantly associated with apnea events.

Conclusions:  This study shows an advantage of C over T for premature infants <33 weeks gestation during the first week of therapy. Standard regimens of both methylxanthines do not seem to require routine concentration monitoring in the first 3 weeks of treatment unless indicated by clinical effect.
Live donor renal transplantation in patients with end‐stage renal failure due to IgA nephropathy: clinicopathological assessment
Authors: KIM Yu Seun , JEONG Hyeon Joo , KWON Kye Won , LEE Ho Yung , HAN Dae Suk , PARK Kiil
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY:The long‐term outcome was evaluated, in terms of recurrence and graft survival, after live donor renal transplantation in 90 grafts in 89 patients with biopsy‐proven IgA nephropathy (IgAN) as a primary diagnosis of end‐stage renal disease. Additionally, histological assessment including glomerular morphometry was performed in 19 grafts having recurrent IgAN. the 10‐year graft survival for IgAN patients was 66%, which was comparable with that of 84% for 107 reference recipients having other kinds of glomerulonephritis (GN) or 69% for 90 other recipients having non‐GN renal failure (P=0.27). In 43 grafts, 54 event graft biopsies were performed, and mesangial IgA deposits were documented in 19 grafts. In eight grafts, lesions were accompanied by chronic rejection (CR). Ten‐year cumulative recurrence was 44%. In total, 10 grafts were lost: this was due to CR (n=3) or acute rejection (n=1) in 24 recurrence‐free recipients; CR (n=2) or recurrence (n=2) in 19 patients with recurrence; and patient death (n=2) in 46 patients who did not have graft biopsy. No difference in 10‐year graft survival between the patients with and without recurrence (63%vs74%;P=0.98), or the proportion of related donors was found (68%vs83%;P=0.25). In the grafts with recurrence, renal histological damage was relatively mild and had no uniform pattern. the percentage of global and segmental sclerosis were 11.9% and 3.7%, respectively. Non‐sclerotic glomeruli were ischaemic or hypertrophied. Mesangium showed lysis or focal and mild expansion by matrix and cellular increase. Glomerular morphometry was performed in seven patients, in whom glomerular hypertrophy was found as demonstrated by increases of Bowman's and glomerular tuft areas (1.4 and 1.3 times the control, respectively) and concomitant decrease of total glomerular and mesangial cells per glomerular cross‐section (71.2% and 84.9% of the control, respectively). In conclusion, recurrence increased to 44% with longer follow up, but this did not limit the graft outcome. Recurrence was not affected by the types of live donor. Glomerular hypertrophy in the recurrent IgAN group suggests hyperfiltration.
Recurrence of IgA nephropathy in renal transplants
Authors: WOODROFFE Andrew , CLARKSON Anthony
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY:The present article provides an update from the literature on the clinical significance of recurrent IgA disease in renal transplant patients, and it identifies possible reasons for the differences between the data that have been published. the clinical features of recurrent IgA nephropathy are described here, along with suggestions for the management of these patients.
Stage migration in localized prostate cancer has no effect on the post‐radical prostatectomy Kattan nomogram
Authors: Thanigasalam Ruban , Rasiah Krishan K. , Stricker Phillip D. , Haynes Anne Maree , Sutherland Sarah I.M. , Sutherland Robert L. , Henshall Susan M. , Horvath Lisa G.
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing on stage migration in an Australian population, and its consequences on the prognostic accuracy of the post‐radical prostatectomy (RP) Kattan nomogram, as in North America widespread PSA testing has resulted in prostate cancer stage migration, questioning the utility of prognostic nomograms in this setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 1008 men who had consecutive RP for localized prostate cancer between 1991 and 2001 at one institution. Two groups were assessed, i.e. those treated in 1991–96 (group 1, the early PSA era), and 1997–2001 (group 2, the contemporary PSA era). Differences in clinicopathological features between the groups were analysed by chi‐squared testing and survival modelling. Individual patient data were entered into the post‐RP Kattan nomogram and the efficacy assessed by receiver‐ operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Patients in group 2 had lower pathological stage disease (P = 0.01) and fewer cancers with Gleason score ≥8 (P < 0.001) than group 1. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative serum PSA level (P < 0.01) and Gleason score (P < 0.01) as strong predictors of biochemical relapse in both groups. In group 2 pathological stage was not significant, but margin involvement became highly significant (P = 0.004). There was no difference in the predictive accuracy of the Kattan nomogram between the groups (P = 0.253).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show a downward stage migration towards organ‐confined disease after the introduction of widespread PSA testing in an Australian cohort. Despite this, the Kattan nomogram remains a robust prognostic tool in clinical practice.
Developments in the surgical management of sporadic synchronous bilateral renal tumours
Authors: Lowrance William T. , Yee David S. , Maschino Alexandra C. , Cronin Angel M. , Bernstein Melanie , Thompson R. Houston , Russo Paul
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To examine our experience with managing sporadic bilateral renal masses, focusing on trends in surgical management over time, because as loss of renal function is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, nephron‐sparing approaches are increasingly emphasized in the treatment of kidney tumours, creating new challenges for the treatment of bilateral tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified all patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy (PN or RN) at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) during 1989–2008. We compared patients presenting with synchronous bilateral renal masses with those with unilateral tumour and evaluated trends in management using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 2777 patients studied, 73 (3%) presented with synchronous bilateral disease. The overall survival and clinical/pathological features between groups were similar. Of those patients receiving bilateral operations for synchronous tumours, three had bilateral RN (all before 2003), 28 (38%) had an RN followed by a PN, 10 (14%) had a PN then an RN, and 32 (44%) had bilateral PN. Over time, the proportion of patients receiving bilateral PN increased (P < 0.001); 13 of 14 patients after 2005 had bilateral PN, compared with only 34% (16 of 45) between 1995 and 2004. Forty‐five patients (62%) had the larger tumour removed during the first operation. The concordance rate between tumours in a specific histological subtype was 70% (51/73), and concordance for benign vs malignant disease was 90% (66/73).

CONCLUSION

The use of PN in the management of synchronous bilateral renal masses has increased over time. The contemporary treatment of synchronous bilateral renal masses at MSKCC involves staged PN when feasible, with the more involved kidney (often larger tumour) operated on first.
Do Institutionalized Traditions Matter During Crisis? Employee Downsizing in Korean Manufacturing Organizations
Authors: Alakent Ekin , Lee Seung‐Hyun
Published: September 2009

abstract

This study examines the downfall of the permanent employment tradition in South Korean manufacturing organizations in the aftermath of the 1997 East Asian economic crisis. We explore whether organizations abandon their traditional institutionalized practices under discontinuous environmental change or despite the change continue these time‐honoured practices. We examine both the organizational factors that inhibit lay‐offs and performance indicators that trigger organizations to re‐evaluate their lifetime employment practices under drastic environmental upheaval. We test our hypotheses on 574 Korean manufacturing organizations and find that under discontinuous change: (1) economic and institutional factors simultaneously apply opposite forces on organizational actions; (2) organizational factors such as poor performance on productivity and export create a need for headcount reductions while factors such as size, domestic ownership, government support, and unionization create social and institutional pressures that inhibit downsizing; and (3) prior experience with downsizing moderates the relationship between institutional factors and further downsizing.
A bibliometric study of scientific literature on obesity research in PubMed (1988–2007)
Authors: Vioque J. , Ramos J. M. , Navarrete‐Muñoz E. M. , García‐de‐la‐Hera M.
Published: September 2009

This article describes a bibliometric review of the publications on obesity research in PubMed over the last 20 years. We used Medline via the PubMed online service of the US National Library of Medicine from 1988 to 2007. The search strategy was: ([obesity] in MesH).

A total of 58 325 references were retrieved, 25.5% in 1988–1997, and 74.5% in 1998–2007. The growth in the number of publications showed an exponential increase. The references were published in 3613 different journals, with 20 journals contributing 25% of obesity literature. The two journals contributing most were the International Journal of Obesity (5.1%), Obesity‐Obesity Research (2.9%). North America and Europe were the most productive world areas with 44.1% and 37.9% of the literature, respectively. The US was the predominant country in number of publications, followed by the United Kingdom, Japan and Italy. The ranking of production changed when the number of publications was normalized by population, gross domestic product and obesity prevalence by countries. The great increase of publications on obesity during the period 1988–2007 was particularly evident in the second decade of the period which is concordant with the worldwide obesity epidemic. USA and Europe were leaders in the production of scientific articles on obesity.
Does Higher Quality Early Child Care Promote Low‐Income Children’s Math and Reading Achievement in Middle Childhood?
Authors: Dearing Eric , McCartney Kathleen , Taylor Beck A.
Published: September 2009

Higher quality child care during infancy and early childhood (6–54 months of age) was examined as a moderator of associations between family economic status and children’s (N = 1,364) math and reading achievement in middle childhood (4.5–11 years of age). Low income was less strongly predictive of underachievement for children who had been in higher quality care than for those who had not. Consistent with a cognitive advantage hypothesis, higher quality care appeared to promote achievement indirectly via early school readiness skills. Family characteristics associated with selection into child care also appeared to promote the achievement of low‐income children, but the moderating effect of higher quality care per se remained evident when controlling for selection using covariates and propensity scores.
Live Action: Can Young Children Learn Verbs From Video?
Authors: Roseberry Sarah , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy , Parish‐Morris Julia , Golinkoff Roberta M.
Published: September 2009

The availability of educational programming aimed at infants and toddlers is increasing, yet the effect of video on language acquisition remains unclear. Three studies of 96 children aged 30–42 months investigated their ability to learn verbs from video. Study 1 asked whether children could learn verbs from video when supported by live social interaction. Study 2 tested whether children could learn verbs from video alone. Study 3 clarified whether the benefits of social interaction remained when the experimenter was shown on a video screen rather than in person. Results suggest that younger children only learn verbs from video with live social interaction whereas older children can learn verbs from video alone. Implications for verb learning and educational media are discussed.
Correlates and Consequences of Spanking and Verbal Punishment for Low‐Income White, African American, and Mexican American Toddlers
Authors: Berlin Lisa J. , Ispa Jean M. , Fine Mark A. , Malone Patrick S. , Brooks‐Gunn Jeanne , Brady‐Smith Christy , Ayoub Catherine , Bai Yu
Published: September 2009

This study examined the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of spanking and verbal punishment in 2,573 low‐income White, African American, and Mexican American toddlers at ages 1, 2, and 3. Both spanking and verbal punishment varied by maternal race/ethnicity. Child fussiness at age 1 predicted spanking and verbal punishment at all 3 ages. Cross‐lagged path analyses indicated that spanking (but not verbal punishment) at age 1 predicted child aggressive behavior problems at age 2 and lower Bayley mental development scores at age 3. Neither child aggressive behavior problems nor Bayley scores predicted later spanking or verbal punishment. In some instances, maternal race/ethnicity and/or emotional responsiveness moderated the effects of spanking and verbal punishment on child outcomes.
The Influence of Student Perceptions of School Climate on Socioemotional and Academic Adjustment: A Comparison of Chinese and American Adolescents
Authors: Jia Yueming , Way Niobe , Ling Guangming , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Chen Xinyin , Hughes Diane , Ke Xiaoyan , Lu Zuhong
Published: September 2009

This study explored students’ perceptions of 3 dimensions of school climate (teacher support, student–student support, and opportunities for autonomy in the classroom) and the associations between these dimensions and adolescent psychological and academic adjustment in China and the United States. Data were drawn from 2 studies involving 706 middle school students (M = 12.26) from Nanjing, China, and 709 middle school students (M = 12.36) from New York City. Findings revealed that students in China perceived higher levels of teacher support, student–student support, and opportunities for autonomy in the classroom than students in the United States. Furthermore, students’ perceptions of teacher support and student–student support were positively associated with adolescents’ self‐esteem and grade point average but negatively associated with depressive symptoms for both Chinese and American adolescents.
Adolescent Gender‐Role Identity and Mental Health: Gender Intensification Revisited
Authors: Priess Heather A. , Lindberg Sara M. , Hyde Janet Shibley
Published: September 2009

Gender intensification, an increased pressure for adolescents to conform to culturally sanctioned gender roles, has been posited as an explanation for the emergence of the gender difference in depression. This longitudinal study assessed whether 410 individuals became more stereotypical in their gender‐role identity across adolescence and whether such patterns predicted depressive symptoms. Girls reported higher femininity than boys at ages 11, 13, and 15, but girls and boys did not differ in masculinity. Contrary to prevailing views, there was not evidence of intensification in femininity or masculinity. Positive trajectories in masculinity for both girls and boys predicted fewer depressive symptoms, particularly at moderate levels of stress. Findings suggest a need to reconceptualize gender intensification in ways that characterize contemporary adolescence.
Associations Between Social Understanding, Sibling Relationship Quality, and Siblings’ Conflict Strategies and Outcomes
Authors: Recchia Holly E. , Howe Nina
Published: September 2009

Sibling relationship quality and social understanding (second‐order false belief, conflict interpretation, and narrative conflict perspective references) were examined as unique and interactive correlates of sibling conflict behavior in 62 dyads (older M age = 8.39 years and younger M age = 6.06 years). High‐quality relationships were associated with positive conflict processes. Younger siblings’ second‐order false belief scores were negatively associated with constructive conflict strategies, and older siblings’ narrative self‐referential focus was negatively associated with compromise. Associations between younger children’s social understanding (conflict interpretation and narrative perspective references) and siblings’ dyadic conflict behavior were moderated by relationship quality. Results suggest that links between social understanding and conflict behavior should be considered in conjunction with the quality of children’s relationships.
Near‐Term Travel Speed Prediction Utilizing Hilbert–Huang Transform
Authors: Hamad Khaled , Shourijeh Morteza Tabatabaie , Lee Earl , Faghri Ardeshir
Published: September 2009

Abstract: Accurate short‐term prediction of travel speed as a proxy for time is central to many Intelligent Transportation Systems, especially for Advanced Traveler Information Systems and Advanced Traffic Management Systems. In this study, we propose an innovative methodology for such prediction. Because of the inherently direct derivation of travel time from speed data, the study was limited to the use of speed only as a single predictor. The proposed method is a hybrid one that combines the use of the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and a multilayer feedforward neural network with backpropagation. The EMD is the key part of the Hilbert–Huang transform, which is a newly developed method at NASA for the analysis of nonstationary, nonlinear time series. The rationale for using the EMD is that because of the highly nonlinear and nonstationary nature of link speed series, by decomposing the time series into its basic components, more accurate forecasts would be obtained. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method by applying it to real‐life loop detector data obtained from I‐66 in Fairfax, Virginia. The prediction performance of the proposed method was found to be superior to previous forecasting techniques. Rigorous testing of the distribution of prediction errors revealed that the model produced unbiased predictions of speeds. The superiority of the proposed model was also verified during peak periods, midday, and night. In general, the method was accurate, computationally efficient, easy to implement in a field environment, and applicable to forecasting other traffic parameters.
A Normative Analysis of Housing‐Related Tax Policy in a General Equilibrium Model of Housing Quality and Prices
Authors: PENG SHIN‐KUN , WANG PING
Published: September 2009

We evaluate an array of housing‐related tax policies in a general equilibrium model with endogenous housing quality and prices. The local government facilitates the provision of local public amenities, financed by an array of housing‐related taxes, including a developer gross revenue tax, a property tax, a land tax, and a development license fee. In a competitive spatial equilibrium, all households optimize and reach the same utility, all monopolistically competitive developers optimize and receive zero profit, and both housing and land markets clear. We examine the effects of various tax policies on housing quality, housing prices, land rent, as well as the population and housing density. By evaluating quantitatively the welfare of the local economy, we establish a globally optimal tax scheme in the housing market: complete elimination of the property tax and imposition of a lower gross revenue tax (possibly fully eliminated) than both development and land taxes.
Regional Income Disparity and the Size of the Public Sector
Authors: GIURANNO MICHELE GIUSEPPE
Published: September 2009

This paper explores the impact of income inequality between jurisdictions on government decision making affecting the size of the public sector. We model policy choices as the outcome of regional representatives' negotiations in the legislature. We show that the more unequal interregional income distribution is, the greater the underprovision of public goods. More specifically, greater interregional income disparity leads to a smaller public sector. A wealthier economy as a result may have a relatively smaller government size when income disparity increases.
THE CHRISTOLOGICAL FOCUS OF VLADIMIR SOLOV'EV'S SOPHIOLOGY*
Authors: GALLAHER BRANDON
Published: September 2009

Vladimir Solov'ev (1853–1900) is one of the major influences on Sergii Bulgakov's “sophiology” and has been praised by both Hans Urs von Balthasar and John Milbank. However, his theology has often been read as a mere “religious philosophy” unduly influenced by Gnosticism and German Idealism. The article argues that Solov'ev's theology is more accurately understood as a unique form of Christology which integrates Gnostic and Idealist thought into Chalcedonian orthodoxy. Solov'ev's most important contribution is a sophiological reading of Christology which attempts to found the created on the uncreated without collapsing one into the other or ontologically juxtaposing them.
THE RETRIEVAL OF DEIFICATION: HOW A ONCE‐DESPISED ARCHAISM BECAME AN ECUMENICAL DESIDERATUM
Authors: GAVRILYUK PAUL L.
Published: September 2009

Adolf von Harnack and Karl Barth were equally incensed by the detrimental impact that the notion of deification had had on Christian theology. Lately, however, theosis has been discovered in Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, the Wesleys, and an impressive number of other western authorities. This essay considers this sensational development and finds that (1) there is little agreement on what is constitutive of deification, making the notion an ecumenist's dream and a philosopher's nightmare; and (2) the agreement between the Greek Fathers and Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin on deification amounts to their endorsement of some form of participatory metaphysics. Calling for greater precision, this essay argues that the Greek patristic doctrine of deification includes synergistic anthropology and sacramental realism that are in tension with the Reformation understandings of participation in God.
The limits of globalization in the early modern world
Authors: DE VRIES JAN
Published: September 2009

This article reviews the ways in which historians and economists have applied the term ‘globalization’ to the early modern era. It distinguishes a soft and a hard definition, and goes on to test the claims made about the driving forces shaping the growth and character of long‐distance trade between Europe and Asia in the age of the European trading companies. On the basis of new estimates of the volume and value of European trade with Asia, the article concludes by identifying the factors limiting the growth of trade in this period.
Do family mealtime interactions mediate the association between asthma symptoms and separation anxiety?
Authors: Fiese Barbara H. , Winter Marcia A. , Wamboldt Frederick S. , Anbar Ran D. , Wamboldt Marianne Z.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Respiratory problems have been shown to be associated with the development of panic anxiety. Family members play an essential role for children to emotionally manage their symptoms. This study aimed to examine the relation between severity of respiratory symptoms in children with asthma and separation anxiety. Relying on direct observation of family interactions during a mealtime, a model is tested whereby family interactions mediate the relation between asthma severity and separation anxiety symptoms.

Methods:  Sixty‐three children (ages 9–12 years) with persistent asthma were interviewed via the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children IV; family interactions were assessed via direct observation of a mealtime; primary caregivers completed the Childhood Asthma Severity Scale; youth pulmonary function was ascertained with pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator spirometry; adherence to asthma medications was objectively tracked for six weeks.

Results:  Poorer pulmonary function and higher functional asthma severity were related to higher numbers of separation anxiety symptoms. Controlling for medication adherence, family interaction patterns mediated the relationship between poorer pulmonary function and child separation anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions:  Family mealtime interactions may be a mechanism by which respiratory disorders are associated with separation anxiety symptoms in children, potentially through increasing the child’s capacity to cognitively frame asthma symptoms as less threatening, or through increasing the child’s sense of security within their family relationships.
Chemical interactions in diatoms: role of polyunsaturated aldehydes and precursors
Authors: Leflaive Joséphine , Ten‐Hage Loïc
Published: September 2009

Chemicals produced by aquatic organisms, and especially micro‐organisms, have received increasing attention in the last decade for their role in shaping interactions and communities. Several cases emphasize the fact that chemical signals or defence may modulate interspecific interactions. Notably, it has been shown that diatoms, unicellular algae and key primary producers in aquatic ecosystems produce a wide range of bioactive metabolites. Among these compounds, polyunsaturated short‐chain aldehydes in vitro strongly impair the reproduction of various potential grazers. In the field, the relationship between aldehyde production and reproductive failure in copepods remains unclear. Recent studies have suggested that these putative defence compounds may also be involved in intercellular communication and in interactions with competitors. Potential effects of the aldehyde precursors on various organisms have also been described. This review presents an overview of various results obtained in the last decade that could help us to understand the role of polyunsaturated aldehydes and their precursors in the ecology of diatoms. It is focused on the dichotomy between freshwater and marine environments. Indeed, most of the results on anti‐proliferative aldehydes concern marine planktonic diatoms, whereas they are also known to be produced by benthic and freshwater species.
Characteristics of different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome based on the Rotterdam criteria in a large‐scale Chinese population
Authors: Zhang HY , Zhu FF , Xiong J , Shi XB , Fu SX
Published: September 2009

Objective  To analyse the phenotypic spectrum of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and determine the association between metabolic, hormonal and new ultrasonographic criteria.

Design  Clinical cross‐sectional study.

Setting  University teaching hospital.

Population  A total of 804 Chinese women, among whom 719 cases were diagnosed as PCOS based on the 2003 Rotterdam criteria. Eighty‐five women with regular menstrual cycles and without hyperandrogenism were recruited as controls.

Methods  PCOS patients were divided into four subgroups: (i) oligo‐ and/or anovulation (O), hyperandrogenism (H), and polycystic ovary morphology (P); (ii) O + H; (iii) H + P; and (iv) O + P.

Main Outcome Measurements  Clinical history, ultrasonographic (ovarian follicle number and volume), hormonal and metabolic parameters.

Results  The composition of the two new phenotypes created by the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology/The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ESHRE/ASRM) 2003 was 65.6% (O + P and H + P). BMI and F‐G scores were highest in the O + H + P group and lowest in O + P and controls. Serum testosterone concentrations and insulin resistance were highest in cases with O + H + P and O + H, intermediate in cases with H + P, and lowest in cases with O + P and controls. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the five groups was 28.5% (O + H + P), 25.5% (O + H), 8.3% (H + P), 7.2% (O + P) and 3.5% (controls), respectively.

Conclusions  Nonclassic phenotypes for PCOS (O + P, H + P and O + H + P) were more frequent than the classic phenotype (O + H). The nonhyperandrogenic PCOS phenotype (O + P), one of the new phenotypes created by the Rotterdam criteria, may represent a form of PCOS associated with milder metabolic profile compared with the other phenotypes.
The haemodynamic, renal excretory and hormonal changes induced by resting in the left lateral position in normal pregnant women during late gestation
Authors: Almeida FA , Pavan MV , Rodrigues CIS
Published: September 2009

Objective  To characterise the haemodynamic, renal‐electrolyte and hormonal parameters in normal near‐term pregnancy.

Design  Observational prospective case‐series study.

Setting and population  Eleven women with normal pregnancies at 35–39 weeks gestation.

Methods  Following baseline laboratory assessments and placement of a right‐atrial catheter, serial measurements were obtained for 2 hours in the supine position (SP) followed by a change to the (LLP) and subsequent observations for 2 hours.

Main outcome measures  Blood pressure (BP), central venous pressure (CVP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone (ALDO), diuresis, creatinine clearance, sodium and potassium excretion.

Results  In the SP, the subjects’ BP remained stable while their CVP decreased. In the LLP, the subjects’ systolic and diastolic BP consistently decreased by about 15 mmHg and their CVP increased within the first 60 minutes. ANP levels doubled in the subjects while they rested in the LLP, whereas the subjects’ PRA and ALDO levels decreased by half compared with when they rested in the SP. In the LLP, the subjects’ creatinine clearance significantly increased by 12% and their sodium excretion and diuresis increased by 38% and 59% respectively.

Conclusion  Rest in the LLP induces systemic and intra‐renal haemodynamic and hormonal changes that may play a central physiological role in the renal excretory response to restore excessive sodium/water retention in late pregnancy.
ST depression at caesarean section and the relation to oxytocin dose. A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jonsson M , Hanson U , Lidell C , Nordén‐Lindeberg S
Published: September 2009

Objective To investigate whether there is a difference in occurrence of electrocardiogram changes suggestive of myocardial ischaemia between two different doses of oxytocin.

Design Double‐blind randomised controlled trial

Setting University hospital in Sweden.

Population A total of 103 healthy women undergoing elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

Methods The participants were randomised to 5 or 10 units of oxytocin, given as an intravenous bolus. A Holter monitor was used to record electrocardiograms and non invasive blood pressure and heart rate (HR) was monitored. A blood sample was obtained 12‐hour postoperatively.

Main outcome measures Depression of the ST segment. Secondary outcomes: symptoms, Troponon I levels, mean arterial pressure (MAP), HR and blood loss.

Results There was a significant difference in occurrence of ST depressions associated with oxytocin administration, 4 (7.7%) with 5 and 11 (21.6%) with 10 units,P < 0.05. The absolute risk reduction was 13.9% (95% confidence interval, 0.5–27.3).

Decrease of mean MAP from baseline to 2 minutes differed, being 9 mmHg in the 5 unit group and 17 mmHg in the 10 unit group (P < 0.01). The increase in mean HR did not differ. Troponin I levels were increased in four subjects (3.9%). There were no differences in occurrence of symptoms, Troponin I levels, or estimated blood loss.

Conclusion ST depressions were associated with oxytocin administration significantly more often in subjects receiving 10 units compared with 5 units. Interventions to prevent hypotension during caesarean section may reduce the occurrence of ST depressions on electrocardiograms.
Poor sensitivity of field rapid HIV testing: implications for mother‐to‐child transmission programme
Authors: Black V , von Mollendorf CE , Moyes JA , Scott LE , Puren A , Stevens WS
Published: September 2009

We validated rapid HIV tests among pregnant women in a clinical setting. Field testing was performed using First Response 1,2,3 or Standard Diagnostic and Pareekshak tests. Results were confirmed by third generation HIV ELISA. Discordant or negative, specimens were confirmed by RNA PCR and a fourth generation ELISA test. Sensitivity and specificity were 94.5% (CI: 85.8–98.2) and 100% for First Response; 87.5% (CI: 46.7–99.3) and 100% (CI: 87.7–100%) for Standard Diagnostic and 90.2% (CI: 81.2–95.4) and 100% (CI: 98–100%) for Pareekshak. These sensitivities were lower than laboratory validation which approached 100%. The low‐field sensitivity results have implications for Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission services.
Deletion of the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene reduces peripheral morphine tolerance in a mouse model of chronic inflammation
Authors: Romero Asunción , Hernández Laura , García‐Nogales Paula , Puig Margarita M.
Published: September 2009

The implication of inducible nitric‐oxide synthase (iNOS) on peripheral tolerance to morphine was evaluated in wild‐type (WT) and iNOS knockout mice. Chronic inflammation was induced by subplantar (s.p.) injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA), and morphine tolerance by subcutaneous implantation of a 75 mg morphine‐pellet. Withdrawal was assessed after the intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg naloxone. Antinociception was assessed (Randall‐Selitto test) 5 min after a fixed dose of s.p. morphine (16 μg). In the absence of inflammation, s.p. morphine did not induce antinociception, while during CFA‐inflammation produced 47.4 ± 0.8 and 38.8 ± 2.7% inhibitions respectively, in each genotype (P < 0.05). In morphine‐tolerant mice with CFA‐inflammation, no antinociception could be elicited in WT mice (2.4 ± 0.3% inhibition); however, iNOS knockout mice showed significant antinociception (33.1 ± 0.9%) (P < 0.001). Thus, iNOS gene deletion partially prevented tolerance to the peripheral effects of morphine, and significantly attenuated withdrawal‐induced hyperactivity.