bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Epinephrine on Right Ventricular Monophasic Action Potentials in the LQT1 Versus LQT2 Form of Long QT Syndrome: Preferential Enhancement of “Triangulation” in LQT1
Authors: VIITASALO MATTI , PAAVONEN KRISTIAN J. , SWAN HEIKKI , KONTULA KIMMO , TOIVONEN LAURI
Published: February 2005

Aims: To explore effects of epinephrine and phenylephrine on the behavior of right ventricular monophasic action potentials (MAPs) in symptomatic LQT1 and LQT2 patients.

Methods and Results: We recorded endocardial MAPs from right interventricular septum at baseline and during epinephrine and phenylephrine infusions in six symptomatic DNA‐verified LQT1 (QTc 528 ± 83) and five LQT2 patients (QTc 527 ± 72) and in five control patients (QTc 381 ± 22). We measured MAP durations at 90% and at 50% levels of repolarization and their difference (MAP50 to MAP90, a measure of MAP morphologic “triangulation”), during atrial pacing to characterize rate dependence of MAPs and repolarization phase 3 durations, respectively. Restitution kinetics were determined during atrioventricular sequential pacing, using the approach of empirical restitution rate. Epinephrine prolonged MAP50‐to‐MAP90 duration and increased the rate dependence of MAP90 duration and increased restitution rate in type LQT1, but not in LQT2 patients nor in control subjects. Phenylephrine did not change MAP behavior. During epinephrine administration, both LQT1 and LQT2 patients had a ratio of the restitution rate of MAP to diastolic interval >1.0 at short diastolic intervals.

Conclusion: Symptomatic LQT1 patients with prolonged baseline QTc intervals showed β‐adrenergic‐induced changes in MAPs (triangulation) known to be arrhythmogenic, thus giving insight to the difference in clinical triggers of life‐threatening arrhythmias between LQT1‐ and LQT2‐affected individuals.
Beat‐to‐Beat Heart Rate Adaptation in Pediatric and Late Adolescent Patients with Closed Loop Rate‐Responsive Pacemakers
Authors: DRAGO FABRIZIO , SILVETTI MASSIMO STEFANO , DE SANTIS ANTONELLA , GRUTTER GIORGIA , CALCAGNINI GIOVANNI , CENSI FEDERICA , BARTOLINI PIETRO , BARBARO VINCENZO
Published: February 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of physiological rate‐responsive pacemakers (Closed Loop Stimulation – CLS) to pace pediatric and late adolescent patients undergoing rest, mental, standing, and exercise testing. Dual‐chamber pacemaker is increasingly indicated for young patients. A new physiological pacing mode based on the indirect measure of ventricular contractility (CLS), has shown interesting results in adults, while no data on pediatric patients are available. RR intervals and beat‐to‐beat systolic and diastolic pressures were monitored in 12 pediatric patients (6 males, mean age 17 years [12–22 years]) who had a transvenous implant of Inos2+‐CLS dual‐chamber pacemaker (Biotronik GmbH, Berlin, Germany) and endocardial leads. All the patients showed correct electrical parameters at the implant and during the follow‐ups. Paced RR intervals decreased significantly (F = 7.28, P = 0.01) from 0.85 ± 0.08 seconds (rest) to 0.73 ± 0.10 seconds (mental) and to 0.75 ± 0.010 seconds (standing); systolic/diastolic pressure was significantly higher (F = 12.2, P = 0.002/F = 13.6, P = 0.001) in mental (134.4 ± 19.9/74.4 ± 8.1 mmHg) with respect to rest (115.1 ± 18.3/61.0 ± 6.1 mmHg), and standing (118.7 ± 23.9/67.3 ± 0.1 mmHg). During exercise the paced RR interval showed significant decrease of about 35% from baseline to maximum load (F = 24.90, P = 0.001) and systolic pressure increased significantly (F = 4.91, P = 0.019) by about 34% from baseline to maximum load. The comparison between paced and spontaneous rates showed very similar values and trend. In addition, CLS mode does not seem to overrun the spontaneous heart activity, when present. This is a study to evaluate CLS pacing in pediatric and late adolescent patients. The study shows that CLS pacing responds to both physical and non‐physical stressors, providing physiological pacing rates, as previously observed in adults.
Beyond Coronary Sinus Angiography: The Value of Coronary Arteriography and Identification of the Pericardiophrenic Vein During Left Ventricular Lead Placement
Authors: VASEGHI MARMAR , CESARIO DAVID A. , JI SEN , SHANNON KEVIN M. , WIENER ISAAC , BOYLE NOEL G. , FONAROW GREGG C. , VALDERRÁBANO MIGUEL , SHIVKUMAR KALYANAM
Published: February 2005

Objective: The purpose of this study was to define the role coronary arteriography (venous phase) for improving the success of left ventricular (LV) lead implantation and to define the value of identifying the pericardiophrenic vein for optimal LV lead placement in biventricular (bi‐v) device implantation.

Methods: Seventy‐seven patients underwent bi‐v device implantation between July 2002 and October 2003. If the coronary sinus (CS) could not be accessed, then left coronary arteriography was performed during the same procedure. CS access was guided by venous phase images of the coronary arteriogram. The pericardiophrenic vein was identified by selective cannulation or direct visualization. Patients with Cr > 1.5 had gadolinium used as the contrast agent.

Results: Seventy‐five successful implants were performed (97%). In seven patients (9%) repeated attempts at retrograde cannulation of the CS failed (attempt time 130 ± 20 minute, mean ± SD). In these patients, coronary arteriography helped define the location of the CS, which was subsequently successfully cannulated. In six patients the pericardiophrenic vein was identified either during occlusion venography of the CS (postthoracotomy, veno‐venous collaterals, n = 2) or during selective cannulation of the pericardiophrenic vein (using a DAIG Csl catheter, n = 4). The vein was directly visualized in three patients who underwent surgical LV lead implantation. LV leads in all these cases were implanted in areas not overlying the preidentified pericardiophrenic vein. During follow‐up, none of these patients had evidence of phrenic nerve stimulation.

Conclusions: Intraoperative left coronary arteriography increases the success of CS cannulation. Identification of the pericardiophrenic vein is a useful method to avoid phrenic nerve stimulation.
A Case of Congenital Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia: Prenatal Diagnosis and Successful Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Infancy
Authors: BAE EUN‐JUNG , KANG SOO‐JUNG , NOH CHUNG‐IL , CHOI JUNG‐YUN , YUN YONG‐SOO
Published: February 2005

It is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis of congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) in utero. We report a case in which congenial JET was suspected by fetal M‐mode echocardiography. Fetal M‐mode tracing of the atria and ventricle clearly showed a gradual acceleration of ventricular activity at the beginning of tachycardia, the warming‐up sign of ectopic tachycardia, which was followed by simultaneous contractions of atrium and ventricle. This report also describes successful emergent radiofrequency catheter ablation of congenital JET in infancy with preservation of normal AV nodal conduction for this patient.
Entrepreneurial Risk Taking in Family Firms
Authors: Zahra Shaker A.
Published: February 2005

Family firms are widely recognized as a major source of technological innovation and economic progress. Yet, over time, some family firms become conservative and unwilling to take the risks associated with entrepreneurial activities. Adopting a broad definition of entrepreneurial risk taking, this study uses agency theory to highlight key correlates of risk taking among 209 U.S. manufacturing family firms. The results show that family ownership and involvement promote entrepreneurship, whereas the long tenures of CEO founders have the opposite effect. These results urge managers to capitalize on the skills and talents of their family members in promoting entrepreneurship and selective venturing into new market arenas.
Internationalization Strategy of Small and Medium-Sized Family Businesses: Some Influential Factors
Authors: Fernández Zulima , Nieto María J.
Published: February 2005

This article studies some aspects of the internationalization strategy of family SMEs. After examining the various problems facing family SMEs as regards internationalization, in terms of lack of resources, some mechanisms are discussed to counteract their negative effect. Using a wide sample of Spanish SMEs, we confirm the existence of a negative relationship between family ownership and internationalization, measured by export activities. We also analyze the role of generational changeovers and stable relationships with other firms through shareholding or agreements aimed to promote international expansion. These mechanisms are set out to provide family SMEs with the necessary resources that have proved to be key factors in a successful internationalization process.
Prediction of Drug Metabolism and Interactions on the Basis of in vitro Investigations
Authors: Pelkonen Olavi , Turpeinen Miia , Uusitalo Jouko , Rautio Arja , Raunio Hannu
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Drug metabolism profoundly affects drug action, because almost all drugs are metabolised in the body and thus their concentrations and elimination rates are dependent on metabolic activity. Drug metabolism contributes substantially to interindividual differences in drug response and is also often involved in drug interactions, resulting in either therapeutic failure or adverse effects. Knowledge about the metabolism of a new chemical entity and its affinity to drug‐metabolising enzymes helps in the drug development process by providing important information for the selection of a lead compound from among a number of substances pharmacologically equally effective in their therapeutic response. In drug development protocols, metabolism characteristics should be assessed very early during the development process. This has been made possible by the advances made especially in analytical capabilities and in in vitro technologies that are employed to predict in vivo metabolite profile, pharmacokinetic parameters and drug‐drug interaction potential.
Clinical Trial Simulation: A Tool for Understanding Study Failures and Preventing Them
Authors: Girard Pascal
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Execution models describe protocol deviations from a specified study design. When a clinical trial is planned, it is generally supposed that it will be executed according to a specific protocol that defines all aspects of the experimental design, from its beginning to its completion. Adherence to the protocol will allow estimation of the treatment outcome (safety and efficacy) with sufficient statistical power, or at least that is what is assumed. In reality, however, deviations from the protocol may lead to failure of the study to achieve its stated aims. In anticipation of protocol deviations that contribute to inflated residual variability and decreased study statistical power, trial designers tend to overpower studies in a rather arbitrary way. It is difficult to estimate quantitatively the consequences of one protocol deviation on statistical study power and, a fortiori, it is almost impossible to do it for a combination of protocol deviations. One way to study the consequences of model deviations is by using modelling and simulation techniques, and more specifically longitudinal stochastic models that can describe individual behaviours. Thus, execution models are powerful tools for identifying weaknesses or limitations in a proposed study design, which may be anticipated, avoided or resolved in order to increase robustness of the study design prior to implementation of the actual clinical study. As such, they are an integral component of clinical trial simulation and an essential tool in clinical trial design.
Calcium transients in developing mouse skeletal muscle fibres
Authors: Capote Joana , Bolaños Pura , Schuhmeier Ralph Peter , Melzer Werner , Caputo Carlo
Published: February 2005

Ca2+ transients elicited by action potentials were measured using MagFluo‐4, at 20–22°C, in intact muscle fibres enzymatically dissociated from mice of different ages (7, 10, 15 and 42 days). The rise time of the transient (time from 10 to 90% of the peak) was 2.4 and 1.1 ms in fibres of 7‐ and 42‐day‐old mice, respectively. The decay of the transient was described by a double exponential function, with time constants of 1.8 and 16.4 ms in adult, and of 4.6 and 105 ms in 7‐day‐old animals. The fractional recovery of the transient peak amplitude after 10 ms, F2(10)/F1, determined using twin pulses, was 0.53 for adult fibres and ranged between 0.03 and 0.60 in fibres of 7‐day‐old animals This large variance may indicate differences in the extent of inactivation of Ca2+ release, possibly related to the difference in ryanodine receptor composition between young and old fibres. At the 7 and 10 day stages, fibres responded to Ca2+‐free solutions with a larger decrease in the transient peak amplitude (25%versus 11% in adult fibres), possibly indicating a contribution of Ca2+ influx to the Ca2+ transient in younger animals. Cyclopiazonic acid (1 μm), an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+‐ATPase, abolished the Ca2+ transient decay in fibres of 7‐ and 10‐day‐old animals and significantly reduced its rate in older animals. Analysis of the transients with a Ca2+ removal model showed that the results are consistent with a larger relative contribution of the SR Ca2+ pump and a lower expression of myoplasmic Ca2+ buffers in fibres of young versus old animals.
Ca2+‐activated myosin‐ATPases, creatine and adenylate kinases regulate mitochondrial function according to myofibre type in rabbit
Authors: Gueguen N. , Lefaucheur L. , Ecolan P. , Fillaut M. , Herpin P.
Published: February 2005

Mitochondrial respiration rates and their regulation by ADP, AMP and creatine, were studied at different free Ca2+ concentrations (0.1 versus 0.4 μm) on permeabilized fibre bundles of rabbit skeletal muscles differing in their myosin heavy chain profiles. Four fibre bundle types were obtained: pure types I and IIx, and mixed types IIax (approximately 50% IIa and 50% IIx fibres) and IIb+ (60% IIb fibres, plus IIx and IIa). At rest, pure type I fibres displayed a much higher apparent Km for ADP (212 μm) than IIx fibres (8 μm). Within the IIax and IIb+ mixed fibre bundle types, two KADPm values were observed (70 μm and 5 μm). Comparison between pure IIx and mixed types indicates that the intermediate Km of 70 μm most probably corresponds to the mitochondrial affinity for ADP in IIa fibres, the lowest Km for ADP (5 μm) corresponding to IIx and IIb types. Activation of mitochondrial creatine and adenylate kinase reactions stimulated mitochondrial respiration only in type I and IIax fibre bundles, indicating an efficient coupling between both kinases and ADP rephosphorylation in type I and, likely, IIa fibres, since no effect was observed in pure IIx fibres. Following Ca2+‐induced activation of myosin‐ATPase, an increase in mitochondrial sensitivity to ADP of 45% and 250% was observed in type IIax and I bundles, respectively, an effect mostly prevented by addition of vanadate, an inhibitor of myosin‐ATPase. Ca2+‐induced activation of myosin‐ATPase also prevented the stimulation of respiration rates by creatine and AMP in I and IIax bundles. In addition to differential regulation of mitochondrial respiration and energy transfer systems at rest in I and IIa versus IIx and IIb muscle fibres, our results indicate a regulation of phosphotransfer systems by Ca2+ via the stimulation of myosin‐ATPases in type I and IIa fibres of rabbit muscles.
U-Pb Ages from the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation, China
Authors: Condon Daniel , Zhu Maoyan , Bowring Samuel , Wang Wei , Yang Aihua , Jin Yugan
Published: February 2005

U-Pb zircon dates from volcanic ash beds within the Doushantuo Formation (China) indicate that its deposition occurred between 635 and 551 million years ago. The base records termination of the global-scale Marinoan glaciation and is coeval with similar dated rocks from Namibia, indicating synchronous deglaciation. Carbon isotopic and sequence-stratigraphic data imply that the spectacular animal fossils of the Doushantuo Formation are for the most part younger than 580 million years old. The uppermost Doushantuo Formation contains a pronounced negative carbonate carbon isotopic excursion, which we interpret as a global event at circa 551 million years ago.
DNA and RNA obtained from Bouin’s fixed tissues
Authors: Bonin S , Petrera F , Rosai J , Stanta G
Published: February 2005

Background:The use in many countries of acid fixatives, such as Bouin’s solution, has limited the use of archival tissue for molecular analysis. An acidic environment is one of the main causes of DNA degradation. Moreover, RNA extraction is difficult in these types of fixed tissues.

Aims:To amplify DNA and RNA from Bouin’s fixed tissues.

Methods:DNA and RNA were extracted from 20 breast cancer samples that had been routinely fixed in Bouin’s fixative. Amplification of several genes using primers that produced amplicons of different lengths was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA (with and without restoration) and reverse transcription PCR for RNA.

Results:The acid environment of Bouin’s fixative damaged both DNA and RNA. However, amplification was successful when the amplicon length was reduced to about 80 bp for RNA and 100–200 bp for DNA, especially if submitted to DNA reconstruction procedures.

Conclusions:It is possible to recover and analyse DNA and RNA from Bouin’s fixed and paraffin wax embedded tissues.
Mast cell distribution in normal adult skin
Authors: Janssens A S , Heide R , den Hollander J C , Mulder P G M , Tank B , Oranje A P
Published: February 2005

Aims:To investigate mast cell distribution in normal adult skin to provide a reference range for comparison with mastocytosis.

Methods:Mast cells (MCs) were counted in uninvolved skin adjacent to basal cell carcinomas and other dermatological disorders in adults.

Results:There was an uneven distribution of MCs in different body sites using the anti-tryptase monoclonal antibody technique. Numbers of MCs on the trunk, upper arm, and upper leg were similar, but were significantly different from those found on the lower leg and forearm. Two distinct groups were formed—proximal and distal. There were 77.0 MCs/mm2at proximal body sites and 108.2 MCs/mm2at distal sites. Adjusted for the adjacent diagnosis and age, this difference was consistent. The numbers of MCs in uninvolved skin adjacent to basal cell carcinomas and other dermatological disorders were not different from those in the control group. Differences in the numbers of MCs between the distal and the proximal body sites must be considered when MCs are counted for a reliable diagnosis of mastocytosis. A pilot study in patients with mastocytosis underlined the variation in the numbers of MCs in mastocytosis and normal skin, but showed a considerable overlap. The observed numbers of MCs in adults cannot be extrapolated to children.

Conclusions:MC numbers varied significantly between proximal and distal body sites and these differences must be considered when MCs are counted for a reliable diagnosis of mastocytosis. There was a considerable overlap between the numbers of MCs in mastocytosis and normal skin.
An Ashkenazi Jewish woman presenting with favism
Authors: Lim F , Vulliamy T , Abdalla S H
Published: February 2005

The case of a 44 year old Ashkenazi Jewish woman of Russian origin who presented with a typical clinical and haematological picture of favism is reported. There was initial difficulty in confirming glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency because the enzyme concentrations were normal at presentation, but later fell to a concentration compatible with heterozygosity for the Mediterranean type of G6PD deficiency. The diagnosis was also later confirmed by gene analysis. The reasons for the difficulties in the initial confirmation of the diagnosis and the normal G6PD enzyme activity at presentation are discussed.
Methodology for constructing guidance
Authors: Smellie W S A , Finnigan D I , Wilson D , Freedman D , McNulty C A M , Clark G
Published: February 2005

Although guidance exists for the use of many laboratory tests in a wide range of clinical situations, this guidance is spread among a range of literature sources, and is often directed at laboratory specialists rather than test users. Individual general practices display large variations in standardised test requesting, yet much of their testing activity involves a relatively small range of tests. This paper describes a methodological approach to review the available evidence and guidance and to extract relevant primary research work to examine a range of testing scenarios in general practice, with the aim of formulating guidance based on the best available evidence or consensus opinions.
Initial diagnosis of small lymphocytic lymphoma in parotidectomy for Warthin tumour, a rare collision tumour
Authors: Saxena A , Memauri B , Hasegawa W
Published: February 2005

Warthin tumours (WT) and malignant lymphomas are only rarely associated, and most are examples of involvement of the lymphoid stroma of WT by a disseminated lymphoma. This report describes a case where excision of a parotid mass led to the initial diagnosis of WT and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). The diagnosis of SLL was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and molecular studies. The patient had stage IV A disease and is currently in chemotherapy induced complete remission. This case highlights the extremely rare association of SLL with WT and the importance of evaluation of the WT stroma, where the pale proliferation centres of SLL may mimic germinal centres of reactive lymphoid nodules.
The concentrations and distribution of phytic acid-phosphorus and other mineral nutrients in wild-type andlow phytic acid1-1 (lpa1-1) corn (Zea maysL.) grains and grain parts
Authors: Lin Lan , Ockenden Irene , Lott John NA
Published: February 2005

A comparison of mineral nutrient and phytic acid-phosphorus (PA-P) distribution in the grains of wild-type (WT) and low phytic acid1-1 (lpa1-1) corn (Zea mays L.) was conducted to determine how the lpa1-1 mutation influences mineral element concentrations in different grain parts and impacts the structure of phosphorus-rich inclusions (globoids) in the grain cells. This is the first report regarding total phosphorus (P) and PA-P concentrations in scutellum and root-shoot axis portions of cereal embryos of WT in comparison to its matching lpa1-1 genotype. In WT, 95% of the grain PA-P was located in the embryo, mostly in the scutellum. The lpa1-1 mutation reduced whole-grain PA-P by 62% but influenced the scutella more than the root-shoot axes and rest-of-grain fractions. In spite of the lpa1-1 mutants containing greatly reduced PA-P, whole-grain amounts of Mg, Fe, and Mn were higher in lpa1-1 than in WT, K and Zn were similar, and Ca was lower. Iron was 1/3 higher in lpa1-1 grains than WT while Ca was 18% lower. Decreased phytic acid in lpa1-1 grains resulted in reduction in globoid size in both scutellum and aleurone layer cells. Most lpa1-1 aleurone globoids were non-spherical and scutellum globoids were clusters of small spheres while WT globoids were large discrete spheres. X-ray analyses of globoids in both grain types revealed major amounts of P, K, and Mg and traces of Ca, Fe, and Zn. Both grain types contained almost no mineral nutrient stores in the starchy endosperm.Key words: corn (Zea mays L.), phytic acid-phosphorus, low phytic acid1-1 (lpa1-1) grains, mineral nutrients, globoids, electron microscopy.
Establishment of an effective set of simple sequence repeat markers for sunflower variety identification and diversity assessment
Authors: Zhang L S , Clerc V Le , Li S , Zhang D
Published: February 2005

The objective of this study was to identify an efficient set of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) variety fingerprinting, relying on semi-automated analysis conditions. Based on criteria such as quality of amplification products, co-dominant and single locus, 78 SSR markers were selected and used to assess the genetic variability among a large set of 124 sunflower inbred lines, including 67 female maintainers (M lines) and 57 male restorers (R lines). They revealed a total of 276 alleles across the 124 elite inbred lines, with a mean of 3.5 alleles per SSR locus. The polymorphism index content per locus varied from 0.06 to 0.81, with an average of 0.51. Relationships among the inbred lines were studied using estimations of Rogers' distances. The great majority of the distance estimates ranged between 0.4 and 0.6, but distances between some pairs of lines were less than 0.1. The genetic diversity value was similar within each subset of R and M lines and low, but significant differentiation was found (GST = 0.049) between the two pools. The selected set of SSRs proved to be useful both for sunflower fingerprinting and genetic diversity assessment.Key words: genetic diversity, genotyping, Helianthus annuus, multiplex PCR, simple sequence repeats (SSR).
Genetic variation and differentiation of populations within the Quercus affinis  Quercus laurina (Fagaceae) complex analyzed with RAPD markers
Authors: González-Rodríguez Antonio , Arias Dulce M , Oyama Ken
Published: February 2005

The population genetics of two hybridizing Mexican red oaks, Quercus affinis Schweid. and Quercus laurina Humb. & Bonpl., was investigated with 54 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers scored in 415 individuals from 16 populations representing the distribution area of the two species and a probable secondary hybrid zone. Genetic relationships among populations, depicted in a unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averaging (UPGMA) dendrogram, were largely incongruent with the morphological classification of populations as Q. affinis-like or Q. laurina-like that was obtained in previous studies. In contrast, the two main population clusters in the UPGMA dendrogram corresponded to the location of populations in two distinct geographical areas: southwestern and northeastern. A Mantel test confirmed a significant association between geographic and genetic distances among populations. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most genetic variation is contained within populations (84%), while 10.5% (P < 0.0001) is among populations, and 5.1% (P = 0.007) is between the two morphological groups. Differentiation between the southwestern and northeastern geographical groups (as recognized by the UPGMA), was 7.8% (P < 0.0001). The incongruence between genetic and phenotypic patterns suggests that introgression of neutral markers has been considerable between the two species in the hybrid zone, while morphological differentiation has remained comparatively stable.Key words: hybridization, population genetics, Quercus, RAPD markers.
Migration and rearing histories of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) determined by ion microprobe Sr isotope and Sr/Ca transects of otoliths
Authors: Bacon Charles R , Weber Peter K , Larsen Kimberly A , Reisenbichler Reginald , Fitzpatrick John A , Wooden Joseph L
Published: February 2005

Strontium isotope and Sr/Ca ratios measured in situ by ion microprobe along radial transects of otoliths of juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) vary between watersheds with contrasting geology. Otoliths from ocean-type chinook from Skagit River estuary, Washington, had prehatch regions with 87Sr/86Sr ratios of ~0.709, suggesting a maternally inherited marine signature, extensive fresh water growth zones with 87Sr/86Sr ratios similar to those of the Skagit River at ~0.705, and marine-like 87Sr/86Sr ratios near their edges. Otoliths from stream-type chinook from central Idaho had prehatch 87Sr/86Sr ratios ≥0.711, indicating that a maternal marine Sr isotopic signature is not preserved after the ~1000- to 1400-km migration from the Pacific Ocean. 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the outer portions of otoliths from these Idaho juveniles were similar to those of their respective streams (~0.7080.722). For Skagit juveniles, fresh water growth was marked by small decreases in otolith Sr/Ca, with increases in Sr/Ca corresponding to increases in 87Sr/86Sr with migration into salt water. Otoliths of Idaho fish had Sr/Ca radial variation patterns that record seasonal fluctuation in ambient water Sr/Ca ratios. The ion microprobe's ability to measure both 87Sr/86Sr and Sr/Ca ratios of otoliths at high spatial resolution in situ provides a new tool for studies of fish rearing and migration.
Long-term trends in age-specific recruitment of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in a changing environment
Authors: Holt Carrie A , Peterman Randall M
Published: February 2005

Sibling  age-class (sibling) models, which relate abundance of one age-class of adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) to abundance of the previous age-class in the previous year, are commonly used to forecast abundance 1 year ahead. Standard sibling models assume constant parameters over time. However, many sockeye salmon populations have shown temporal changes in age-at-maturity. We therefore developed a new Kalman filter sibling model that allowed for time-varying parameters. We found considerable evidence for long-term trends in parameters of sibling models for 24 sockeye salmon stocks in British Columbia and Alaska; most trends reflected increasing age-at-maturity. In a retrospective analysis, the Kalman filter forecasting models reduced mean-squared forecasting errors compared with standard sibling models in 29%39% of the stocks depending on the age-class. The Kalman filter models also had mean percent biases closer to zero than the standard models for 54%94% of the stocks. Parameters of these sibling models are positively correlated among stocks from different regions, suggesting that large-scale factors (e.g., competition among stocks for limited marine prey) may be important drivers of long-term changes in age-at-maturity schedules in sockeye salmon.
Long-residence groundwater effects on incubating salmonid eggs: low hyporheic oxygen impairs embryo development
Authors: Youngson A F , Malcolm I A , Thorley J L , Bacon P J , Soulsby C
Published: February 2005

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) ova were incubated at a range of burial depths (50300 mm) in a set of test arrays inserted at previously used redd sites in a near-pristine stream. Oxygen saturation and electrical conductivity of hyporheic water (obtained 0.51.0 m distant from each array from a depth of 200300 mm below streambed level) were determined at ~2-week intervals over the incubation period (NovemberMarch). The test arrays were recovered from the streambed in mid-March, and thereafter, the eyed ova were incubated in surface water until hatch (24 March  17 April). Embryo survival rates, hatch date, and alevin size differed among and within arrays. Mean alevin body size varied markedly among incubation groups (length, 14.920.8 mm; dry mass, 3.97.7 mg). Within arrays, embryo size varied with burial depth on fine spatial scales (approximately 50 mm); greater burial depth tended to be associated with smaller size. Among arrays, embryo size at the 250-mm depth was correlated with oxygen saturation of hyporheic water. Across all sites, oxygen saturation of hyporheic water decreased with greater conductivity, indicative of the presence of groundwater. Variation in embryo size was therefore linked with variation in the local dominance of deoxygenated groundwater in the hyporheic zone.
Variation in freshwater growth and development among five New England Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations reared in a common environment
Authors: Obedzinski Mariska , Letcher Benjamin H
Published: February 2005

We examined phenotypic variation in growth and development from the eyed-egg stage to the age-1+ smolt stage among five New England populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar: East Machias, Narraguagus, Sheepscot, Penobscot, Connecticut) reared in a common laboratory environment. Study populations originated from rivers varying in size, latitude, and level of hatchery supplementation and included one reintroduced population (Connecticut was a recipient of Penobscot origin stock). Phenotypic trait differences were found among populations, and the degree of stock variation depended on ontogeny. Eggs were smaller and hatched sooner in the Penobscot (a northern, intensively managed population), but no stock differences were detected in size or growth efficiency from the onset of exogenous feeding to age 0+ summer. Differences again emerged in age 0+ autumn, with the degree of bimodality in length frequency distributions differing among stocks; the Connecticut had the highest proportion of upper-mode fish and, ultimately, age-1+ smolts. Although genetic effects could not be entirely separated from maternal effects for egg size variation, it is likely that differences in hatch timing and smolt age had a genetic basis. Early emphasis on age-1+ hatchery-reared smolts in the Connecticut may have led to divergence in smolt age between the Penobscot and Connecticut populations in less than eight generations.
Mice with MCH ablation resist diet-induced obesity through strain-specific mechanisms
Authors: Kokkotou Efi , Jeon Justin Y. , Wang Xiaomei , Marino Francis E. , Carlson Michael , Trombly Daniel J. , Maratos-Flier Eleftheria
Published: February 2005

Genetics and environment contribute to the development of obesity, in both humans and rodents. However, the potential interaction between genes important in energy balance, strain background, and dietary environment has been only minimally explored. We investigated the effects of genetic ablation of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), a neuropeptide with a key role in energy balance, with chow and a high-fat diet (HFD) in two different mouse strains, one obesity-prone (C57BL/6) and the other obesity-resistant (129). Substantial differences were seen in wild-type (WT) animals of different strains. 129 animals had significantly lower levels of spontaneous locomotor activity than C57BL/6; however, 129 mice gained less weight on both chow and HFD. In both strains, deletion of MCH led to attenuated weight gain compared with WT counterparts, an effect secondary to increased energy expenditure. In both strains, feeding a HFD led to further increases in energy expenditure in both WT and MCH-KO mice; however, this increase was more pronounced in 129 mice. In addition, mice lacking MCH have a phenotype of increased locomotor activity, an effect also seen in both strains. The relative increase in activity in MCH−/−mice is modest in animals fed chow but increases substantially when animals are placed on HFD. These studies reinforce the important role of MCH in energy homeostasis and indicate that MCH is a plausible target for antiobesity therapy.
Expression of mutant human epidermal receptor 3 attenuates lung fibrosis and improves survival in mice
Authors: Nethery David E. , Moore Bethany B. , Minowada George , Carroll James , Faress Jihane A. , Kern Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2005

Neuregulin-1 (NRG-1), binding to the human epidermal growth factor receptor HER2/HER3, plays a role in pulmonary epithelial cell proliferation and recovery from injury in vitro. We hypothesized that activation of HER2/HER3 by NRG-1 would also play a role in recovery from in vivo lung injury. We tested this hypothesis using bleomycin lung injury of transgenic mice incapable of signaling through HER2/HER3 due to lung-specific dominant-negative HER3 (DNHER3) expression. In animals expressing DNHER3, protein leak, cell infiltration, and NRG-1 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid increased after injury, similar to that in nontransgenic littermate control animals. However, HER2/HER3 was not activated, and DNHER3 animals displayed fewer lung morphological changes at 10 and 21 days after injury ( P = 0.01). In addition, they contained 51% less collagen in injured lungs ( P = 0.04). Transforming growth factor-β1 did not increase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from DNHER3 mice compared with nontransgenic littermate mice ( P = 0.001), suggesting that a mechanism for the decreased fibrosis was lack of transforming growth factor-β1 induction in DNHER3 mice. Severe lung injury (0.08 units bleomycin) resulted in 80% mortality of nontransgenic mice, but only 35% mortality of DNHER3 transgenic mice ( P = 0.04). Thus inhibition of HER2/HER3 signaling protects against pulmonary fibrosis and improves survival.
ALOX5AP
Gene and the
PDE4D
Gene in a Central European Population of Stroke Patients
Authors: Lõhmussaar Elin , Gschwendtner Andreas , Mueller Jakob C. , Org Tõnis , Wichmann Erich , Hamann Gerhard , Meitinger Thomas , Dichgans Martin
Published: February 2005

Background and Purpose—

Recent evidence has implicated the genes for 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (
ALOX5AP
) and phosphodiesterase 4D (
PDE4D
) as susceptibility genes for stroke in the Icelandic population. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of these genes in a central European population of stroke patients.

Methods—

A total of 639 consecutive stroke patients and 736 unrelated population-based controls that had been matched for age and sex were examined using a case-control design. Twenty-two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering
ALOX5AP
were genotyped. For
PDE4D
, microsatellite AC008818-1 and 12 SNPs, which tag all common haplotypes in previously identified linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks, were analyzed.

Results—

A nominally significant association with stroke was observed with several SNPs from
ALOX5AP
, including SNP SG13S114, which had been part of the Icelandic at-risk haplotype. Associations were stronger in males than in females, with SG13S114 (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.55;
P
=0.017) and SG13S100 (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.54;
P
=0.024) showing the strongest associations. No significant associations were detected with single markers and haplotypes in
PDE4D
. The frequencies of single-marker alleles and haplotypes differed largely from those in the Icelandic population.

Conclusions—

The present study suggests that sequence variants in the
ALOX5AP
gene are significantly associated with stroke, particularly in males. Variants in the
PDE4D
gene are not a major risk factor for stroke in individuals from central Europe. Population differences in allele and haplotype frequencies as well as LD structure may contribute to the observed differences between populations.
Incidence and Short-Term Prognosis of Transient Ischemic Attack in a Population-Based Study
Authors: Kleindorfer Dawn , Panagos Peter , Pancioli Arthur , Khoury Jane , Kissela Brett , Woo Daniel , Schneider Alexander , Alwell Kathleen , Jauch Edward , Miller Rosie , Moomaw Charles , Shukla Rakesh , Broderick Joseph P.
Published: February 2005

Background and Purpose—

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) have been shown to be a strong predictor of subsequent stroke and death. We present the incidence and short-term prognosis of TIA within a large population with a significant proportion of minorities with out-of-hospital TIA.

Methods—

TIA cases were identified between July 1, 1993 and June 30, 1994 from the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky population of 1.3 million inhabitants by previously published surveillance methods, including inpatient and out-of-hospital events. Incidence rates were adjusted to the 1990 population, and life-table analyses were used for prognosis.

Results—

The overall race, age, and gender-adjusted incidence rate for TIA within our population was 83 per 100 000, with age, race, and gender adjusted to the 1990 US population. Blacks and men had significantly higher rates of TIA than whites and women. Risk of stroke after TIA was 14.6% at 3 months, and risk of TIA/stroke/death was 25.2%. Age, race, and sex were not associated with recurrent TIA or subsequent stroke in our population, but age was associated with mortality.

Conclusions—

Using our incidence rates for TIA in blacks and whites, we conservatively estimate that ≈240 000 TIAs occurred in 2002 in the United States. Our incidence rate of TIA is slightly higher than previously reported, which may be related to the inclusion of blacks and out-of-hospital events. There are racial and gender-related differences in the incidence of TIA. We found a striking risk of adverse events after TIA; however, there were no racial or gender differences predicting these events. Further study is warranted in interventions to prevent these adverse events after TIA.
The relationships of national gender equality and organizational support with work-family balance: A study of European managers
Authors: Lyness Karen S. , Kropf Marcia Brumit
Published: February 2005

Most prior research about employees’ work-family balance has examined relationships to organizational characteristics or individual characteristics, but ignored the larger national context in which these relationships occur. We developed a model suggesting that the degree of national gender equality is an important contextual variable that is positively related to organizational work-family supports (i.e. supportive work-family culture and flexible work arrangements), which are in turn related to individual managers’ balance of their work and family responsibilities. We tested the model using survey responses from 505 managers and professionals from 20 European countries and United Nations’ Gender Development Index scores of national gender equality for their countries, and found some support for the predicted relationships. These results highlight the importance of considering the larger context, and especially a nation’s standing in terms of its gender equality, for understanding work-family balance.
Listening to young homeless problem drug users: Considering the implications for drug service provision
Authors: Wincup Emma , Bayliss Rhianon , Buckland Gemma
Published: February 2005

In this article, we present the findings of a Home Office funded project on young homeless people and drug use. Our particular focus is on the 27 young homeless people we identified as problem drug users. We have grounded our discussion in their experiences and we use their stories to reflect critically on drug service provision for this group. The strongest message emerging from their accounts is the need for dedicated and appropriate drug service provision for homeless young people, which addresses their drug use within the context of the many other difficulties they face.
Probation, social context and desistance: Retracing the relationship
Authors: McCulloch Trish
Published: February 2005

This article reports on the findings of a small-scale Scottish study which drew on participant perspectives to explore the attention given to probationers’ social contexts in supporting desistance from crime. In light of findings from previous studies which suggest that recent developments in the design and delivery of effective programmes have contributed to a neglect in attention to offenders’ social contexts, this article presents a more optimistic picture whilst providing some insight into how desistance-focussed interventions can more effectively assist change in this area.
European Integration as a Solution to War
Authors: Eilstrup-Sangiovanni Mette , Verdier Daniel
Published: February 2005

We seek to establish the conditions in which binding international institutions can serve as a solution to preventive war. Scholars of international integration portray institutions as a response to problems of incomplete information, transaction costs and other barriers to welfare improvement for their members. In contrast, we show that international institutions can have binding properties that solve credible commitment problems among member states — even in the case of volatile preventive war dilemmas. Our primary case is post-war Europe. We show that European integration since the early 1950s was conceived as a means of committing a temporarily weakened West Germany not to use its future power to pursue military ends in Europe, thereby obviating a preventive war against it. The various institutions that form part of the European Communities, now the European Union, still bear the mark of this goal. In this article, we establish the game theoretic conditions for the existence of binding international institutions as a solution to preventive war. We also provide evidence that the model is a good approximation of what political elites had in mind in the wake of World War II.
Consumers, Producers and Practices
Authors: Shove Elizabeth , Pantzar Mika
Published: February 2005

The idea that artifacts are acquired and used in the course of accomplishing social practices has important implications for theories of consumption and innovation. From this point of view, it is not enough to show that goods are symbolically and materially positioned, mediated and filtered through existing cultures and conventions. Twisting the problem around, the further challenge is to explain how practices change and with what consequence for the forms of consumption they entail. In this article, we suggest that new practices like Nordic walking, a form of ‘speed walking’ with two sticks, arise through the active and ongoing integration of images, artifacts and forms of competence, a process in which both consumers and producers are involved. While it makes sense to see Nordic walking as a situated social practice, such a view makes it difficult to explain its growing popularity in countries as varied as Japan, Norway and the USA. In addressing this issue, we conclude that practices and associated cultures of consumption are always ‘homegrown’. Necessary and sometimes novel ingredients (including images and artifacts) may circulate widely, but they are always pieced together in a manner that is informed by previous and related practice. What looks like the diffusion of Nordic walking is therefore better understood as its successive, but necessarily localized, (re)invention. In developing this argument, we explore some of the consequences of conceptualizing consumption and consumer culture as the outcome of meaningful social practice.
Improved outcome in HLA-identical sibling hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for acute myelogenous leukemia predicted by KIR and HLA genotypes
Authors: Hsu Katharine C. , Keever-Taylor Carolyn A. , Wilton Andrew , Pinto Clara , Heller Glenn , Arkun Knarik , O'Reilly Richard J. , Horowitz Mary M. , Dupont Bo
Published: February 2005

Inhibitory killer immunoglobulin (Ig)-like receptors (KIRs) recognize HLA-C and -B epitopes on target cells, thereby regulating natural killer (NK) cell activity. In 178 patients receiving T-cell-depleted HLA-identical sibling transplants for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), analysis of donor KIR genotype with HLA genotype demonstrated that 62.9% of the patients lacked an HLA ligand for donor-inhibitory KIR. Lack of HLA ligand for donor-inhibitory KIR (missing KIR ligand) had no effect on disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), or relapse in patients receiving transplants for CML and ALL. In patients with AML and MDS, however, there was a significant missing KIR ligand effect on DFS (P = .014; hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.28-0.88) and OS (P = .03; HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.3-0.93). Incidence of relapse was also lower in patients with AML and MDS who lacked the HLA ligand for donor-inhibitory KIR (P = .04; HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18-0.97). AML and MDS patients lacking 2 HLA ligands for donor-inhibitory KIR had the highest DFS (P = .002) and OS (P = .003). There was no significant contribution of donor-activating KIR to transplantation outcome in these patients. These data indicate that the absence of class I ligand in the recipient for donor-inhibitory KIR can be a prognostic factor for transplantation outcome in HLA-identical sibling transplantation and that the lack of HLA-C or -B ligands for donor-inhibitory KIR can contribute to improved outcomes for patients with AML and MDS. (Blood. 2005;105:4878-4884)