bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver transplantation for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis: Clinical and histopathological findings, outcome and impact on growth
Authors: Aydogdu Sema , Cakir Murat , Arikan C. , Tumgor Gokhan , Yuksekkaya Hasan Ali , Yilmaz Funda , Kilic Murat
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  In this study, we analyze the demographic features, clinical and histopathological findings in patients who underwent liver transplantation for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. We also analyze outcome and impact of liver transplantation on growth and bone mineral content. Most of the patients were presented with jaundice mainly beginning within the first six months. At the time of initial admission; eight patients had short stature (height SD score <2), and four patients had weight SD score <2. Liver transplantation were performed at the age of 43.2 ± 27 months (range 9 to 96 mfonths), 6.5 ± 3.5 months later after the first admission. Infection, surgical complications and osmotic diarrhea associated with severe metabolic acidosis were noted in 41.4%, 16.6% and 33.3%, respectively. One patient developed posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. Overall; 1 year graft and patient survival was 69.2% and 75%, respectively. At the end of the 1st year only 2 patients had height SD score <2. Linear regression of height gain against increase in total body BMD measured at the time of transplantation and 1 year after liver transplantation gave a coefficient r = 0.588 (p = 0.074). No correlation was found between the height gain and age and PELD score at time of transplantation, and no difference was noted between the sexes and donor type. Liver transplantation is effective treatment modality with good outcome and little morbidity, and increases the growth acceleration in patients with PFIC associated with cirrhosis.
Irrigation Level Affects Isoflavone Concentrations of Early Maturing Soya Bean Cultivars
Authors: Al‐Tawaha A. M. , Seguin P. , Smith D. L. , Bonnell R. B.
Published: May 2007

Field experiments were conducted in 2003/2004 in Québec to determine the effects of irrigation levels (none, low and high) and cultivars (AC Orford, AC Proteina and Golden) on soya bean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] isoflavone concentrations and yields. Seed yield, yield components, and oil and crude protein (CP) concentrations were concurrently determined. Response to irrigation was greater in 2003, which was substantially warmer and drier than in 2004. In both years, most responses were observed with the lower of the two irrigation levels evaluated, which increased total isoflavones concentration by an average of 45 % compared with a non‐irrigated control. Cultivars, however, responded differently to irrigation. In 2003, response of AC Proteina was greater than that of AC Orford, while Golden did not respond. In 2004, some responses were observed with AC Proteina and Golden but none with AC Orford. Overall, in both years, AC Proteina had the greatest isoflavone concentrations and AC Orford the lowest. Responses of seed yield and yield components depended on the year and were also greater in 2003. Both irrigation treatments generally increased seed yield and yield components compared with a non‐irrigated control; the response was greater with the higher irrigation level. Irrigation had no effect on oil and CP concentrations. Finally, isoflavone yield response to irrigation was again greater in 2003, and depended on the cultivar. Results thus demonstrate that specific soil moisture levels will maximize soya bean isoflavone concentrations, excess irrigation sometimes negating any potential benefits.
Phylogenetic relationships of German heavy draught horse breeds inferred from mitochondrial DNA D‐loop variation
Authors: Aberle K.S. , Hamann H. , Drögemüller C. , Distl O.
Published: May 2007

Summary We analysed a 610‐bp mitochondrial (mt)DNA D‐loop fragment in a sample of German draught horse breeds and compared the polymorphic sites with sequences from Arabian, Hanoverian, Exmoor, Icelandic, Sorraia and Przewalski's Horses as well as with Suffolk, Shire and Belgian horses. In a total of 65 horses, 70 polymorphic sites representing 47 haplotypes were observed. The average percentage of polymorphic sites was 11.5% for the mtDNA fragment analysed. In the nine different draught horse breeds including South German, Mecklenburg, Saxon Thuringa coldblood, Rhenisch German, Schleswig Draught Horse, Black Forest Horse, Shire, Suffolk and Belgian, 61 polymorphic sites and 24 haplotypes were found. The phylogenetic analysis failed to show monophyletic groups for the draught horses. The analysis indicated that the draught horse populations investigated consist of diverse genetic groups with respect to their maternal lineage.
Effect of sire mating patterns on future genetic merit and inbreeding in a closed beef cattle population
Authors: Oyama K. , Nojima M. , Shojo M. , Fukushima M. , Anada K. , Mukai F.
Published: May 2007

Summary Alternative breeding strategies were simulated based on the population structure of the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle. An analysis of the population structure revealed that some sires up to 20 years of age have been used in Tajima. In addition, 95% of newborn calves were the progeny of only 20 sires, and their mating frequencies were significantly skewed. The current average inbreeding coefficient and founder genome equivalents of the strain were estimated to be 0.199 and 2.25, respectively. Average inbreeding coefficient is expected to reach 0.394 within 27 years. Thus, different breeding strategies were assessed for their effect on the level of inbreeding and average genetic merit. We compared strategies that (1) halve the sire service period, (2) double the number of mating sires and (3) lower the skewed sire mating frequency and optimize the frequency for weighted genetic merit and diversity. Reducing the service period yielded a 7.0–12.0% reduction in the rate of inbreeding while maintaining almost the same genetic gain. Increasing the number of sires resulted in a 19.3–21.3% reduction in inbreeding with a corresponding 1.6–8.4% reduction in gain. The rates of inbreeding from the optimized strategies decreased as the weight on genetic diversity increased. However, a strategy that emphasized only genetic gain yielded lower gain than other strategies because the strategy allowed only one sire to mate, resulting in reduced genetic variance and low accuracy of genetic evaluation. In contrast, a strategy with no emphasis on genetic gain when determining mating frequency resulted in reductions of 16.0% and 63.2% in genetic gain and inbreeding, respectively. The strategies examined here are easily applicable and can be expected to reduce immediate loss of genetic diversity.
Purification and characterization of a novel sigma‐class glutathioneS‐transferase of the fall webworm,Hyphantria cunea
Authors: Yamamoto K. , Miake F. , Aso Y.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: An enzyme that possesses glutathioneS‐transferase (GST) activity was found in the fall webworm,Hyphantria cunea. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity for the first time by ammonium sulphate fractionation and affinity chromatography. The N‐terminal sequence of the purified protein was similar to those of Sigma‐class GSTs. The purified GST retained more than 75% of its original GST activity after incubation at pH 5–8. Incubation for 30 min at temperatures below 50°C scarcely affected the activity. The enzyme was able to catalyse the reaction of glutathione with 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene, a universal substrate for GST, as well as with 4‐hydroxynonenal, a product of lipid peroxidation.
Short‐ and long‐range dispersal of medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Dipt., Tephritidae), and its invasive potential
Authors: Meats A. , Smallridge C. J.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Data were obtained from mark recapture trials pertaining to the dispersal of medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Dipt., Tephritidae), over both short (10–160 m) and very long distances (0.5–9.5 km) within the surveillance trapping array in Adelaide, Australia. They could be related to previously reported data sets by expressing the capture rates of each set in common terms that corrected for differences in recapture rate resulting from type of trap, season or climate. The mean capture rate at each distance from the point of release in each data set was expressed as a percentage of the real or inferred rate of that set at a distance of 100 m. The resulting distribution of dispersal distances conformed to both an inverse power model and a modified Cauchy model regardless of whether the present and previous data were combined or not. The modified Cauchy model inferred that the median distance flown was extremely short and 90% of flies displaced only 400–700 m despite the fact that a consistent trend in declining catch rates was obtained up to 9.5 km. The spread of invading propagules in quarantined zones in the first generation is likely to be limited by a decline to non‐viable density within 1 km or less of the incursion point and the spread of larger infestations could be limited by the longevity of the dispersers. The results also have significance to the ability of surveillance trapping arrays to detect infestations and also to methods of distributing insects for the ‘sterile insect technique’.
Responses of transgenic maize hybrids to variant western corn rootworm larval injury
Authors: Gray M. E. , Steffey K. L. , Estes R. E. , Schroeder J. B.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  In 2005 and 2006, transgenic insecticidal maize hybrids (YieldGard Rootworm, MON 863, Cry3Bb1, Vector ZMIR 13L) were evaluated for their ability to limit root injury caused by western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) larval feeding. Hybrids in each year of the experiment were planted in plots that had been devoted to a trap crop (late‐planted maize interplanted with pumpkins) the previous growing season. All maize hybrids were provided by Monsanto Company and the genetic backgrounds remain unknown to the investigators. In 2005, the experiment was conducted in Urbana, Illinois. Urbana is located in east central Illinois, an area of the state in which a variant of the western corn rootworm has overcome the pest management benefits of crop rotation. Variation in root injury was noted across the maize hybrids in 2005 and the level of pruning increased from 20 July to 9 August for most hybrids. In 2006, the experiment was conducted in two locations, Monmouth and Urbana, Illinois. Monmouth is located in north‐western Illinois and is within an area of the state in which densities of the variant of the western corn rootworm are lower than in east‐central Illinois. In 2006, variation in root protection was again observed across the maize hybrids. Root injury differences among the hybrids were more prominent at the Urbana site. Similar to the previous year, root injury increased from the third week in July to the first week of August at both locations with this increase most noticeable at the Urbana location. We hypothesize that the variant western corn rootworm may be able to inflict more root injury to these transgenic insecticidal maize hybrids than the non‐variant population of this species.
Plasma Electrophoretogram in Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and/or Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) Infections
Authors: Miró G. , Doménech A. , Escolar E. , Collado V. M. , Tejerizo G. , De Las Heras A. , Gómez‐Lucía E.
Published: May 2007

The electrophoretogram of 89 cats, including those infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV+), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV+) and non‐infected, showed statistically significant differences in several of the fractions. FIV+ cats had very high protein values (mean, 8.10 g/dl), mostly because of hypergammaglobulinemia (mean, 2.81 g/dl) as compared with non‐infected animals and FeLV+. In addition, in these FIV+ animals, the albumin/globulins ratio (A/G) was very low (mean, 0.72). Statistically significant differences in A/G and α2‐globulin fraction were observed in FeLV+ group (A/G mean, 0.88 ± 0.08; α2‐globulin, mean, 0.84 ± 0.07 g/dl) when compared with non‐infected group (A/G mean, 1.06 ± 0.08; α2‐globulin mean, 0.68 ± 0.04 g/dl). The α1‐globulin fraction was higher in double infected animals (FIV and FeLV positive, F‐F) (3.55 g/dl), than in FeLV+ or FIV+ cats (3.10 and 3.07 g/dl respectively), but no statistical conclusions may be drawn from this fact because of the low number of F‐F animals. This technique may help to assess the initial clinical status of retrovirus‐infected cats, and the clinical course of these chronic diseases, specifically during and after suitable therapy.
Efficacy of ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/20 and 10/40 mg compared with atorvastatin 20 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus*
Authors: Constance C. , Westphal S. , Chung N. , Lund M. , McCrary Sisk C. , Johnson‐Levonas A. O. , Massaad R. , Allen C.
Published: May 2007

Aim: This randomized, double‐blind study evaluated the efficacy of switching from atorvastatin (ATV) 10 mg to ezetimibe/simvastatin (EZE/SIMVA) 10/20 mg, EZE/SIMVA 10/40 mg or doubling the dose of ATV from 10 to 20 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: Eligible patients had haemoglobin A1C≤10%, were aged ≥18 years and were on ATV 10 mg for ≥6 weeks before study entry. After a 4‐week open‐label ATV 10 mg run‐in, patients were randomized to EZE/SIMVA 10/20 mg (n = 220), EZE/SIMVA 10/40 mg (n = 222) or ATV 20 g (n = 219) daily for 6 weeks.

Results: Greater (p ≤ 0.001) reductions in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (the primary end‐point) were achieved by switching to EZE/SIMVA 10/20 mg (26.2%) or 10/40 mg (30.1%) than by doubling the dose of ATV to 20 mg (8.5%). EZE/SIMVA 10/20 mg and 10/40 mg produced greater (p ≤ 0.001) reductions in total cholesterol, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and apolipoprotein B relative to ATV 20 mg. A reduction (p ≤ 0.050) in C‐reactive protein was observed with EZE/SIMVA 10/40 mg vs. ATV 20 mg. Similar reductions in triglycerides were observed across the three groups, and none of the treatments produced a significant change in HDL‐C. A greater (p ≤ 0.001) proportion of patients achieved LDL‐C <2.5 mmol/l with EZE/SIMVA 10/20 mg (90.5%) and 10/40 mg (87.0%) than with ATV 20 mg (70.4%). Both EZE/SIMVA doses were generally well tolerated, with an overall safety profile similar to ATV 20 mg.

Conclusions: EZE/SIMVA 10/20 and 10/40 mg provided greater lipid‐altering efficacy than doubling the dose of ATV from 10 to 20 mg and were well tolerated in patients with T2D.
On the reality and recognisability of asexual organisms: morphological analysis of the masticatory apparatus of bdelloid rotifers
Authors: Fontaneto Diego , Herniou Elisabeth A. , Barraclough Timothy G. , Ricci Claudia , Melone Giulio
Published: May 2007

Species concepts and definitions have been a long‐standing debate in evolutionary biology since before Darwin, and almost all proposed solutions are based upon grouping and clustering, with species conceived as somehow biological distinct entities, originated and maintained mainly by reproductive isolation. Lacking reproductive exchange, asexual organisms such as bdelloid rotifers, the best‐supported clade of so‐called ‘ancient asexuals’, pose an interesting challenge to debates over the reality of species. However, few data are available on bdelloid rotifers. The only evidence has been that bdelloid species have been more consistently recognised than in their sister sexual group, the monogonont rotifers, across successive taxonomic treatments, but this is confounded by the much lesser degree of taxonomic interest in bdelloids. We applied geometric morphometrics analyses on shape and size of hard masticatory pieces, named trophi, of 1420 bdelloids, belonging to 48 populations of eight traditional species, to test the hypothesis of recognisability of bdelloids. Our morphological analysis confirms that traditional bdelloid species are separated distinct entities, possessing trophi morphologies divided by gaps between taxa, similar to patterns of morphological features in sexually reproducing organisms. In common with most microscopic understudied organisms, bdelloid rotifers harbour much previously undescribed diversity: we found significant differences in trophi morphology within traditional species, revealing the existence of cryptic taxa, similar to those also found in facultatively sexual monogonont rotifers. We confirm that recognisability in bdelloids is not qualitatively different from other small understudied animals such as monogononts, and that sexual versus asexual reproduction does not lead to differences in morphological diversity patterns, as previously suggested based on interpretation of taxonomic revisions.
Phylogeny of the Plumularioidea (Hydrozoa, Leptothecata): evolution of colonial organisation and life cycle
Authors: Leclère Lucas , Schuchert Peter , Manuel Michaël
Published: May 2007

The Plumularioidea (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Leptothecata) are the most species rich superfamily of the class Hydrozoa. They display a complex and diversified colonial organisation and their life cycle comprises either a reduced free‐living, pelagic generation (medusoid), alternating with the benthic colonial form or in most species, no pelagic generation. In order to understand the evolution of colonial and life cycle characters among Plumularioidea, we have reconstructed their phylogeny. Partial mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences and 64 morphological characters were analysed separately and in combination. The morphological data included not only characters of the individual polyps and medusae, but also characters describing the organisation of colonies, for which we propose general principles applying to character coding in modular organisms. The phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of Plumularioidea and of the four plumularioid families (Aglaopheniidae, Halopterididae, Kirchenpaueriidae and Plumulariidae). Most genera were paraphyletic or polyphyletic. This study highlights multiple morphological simplifications of the colonial organisation during the evolution of Plumularioidea and the convergence of the defensive polyps — the dactylozooids — of Plumularioidea with those of others Leptothecata (Hydrodendron) or Anthoathecata (Hydractinia). Concerning the evolution of the life cycle, the phylogeny supports a provocative scenario, where the medusa was lost in an ancestor of the Plumularioidea, and then re‐acquired four times independently within this group, in the form of simple medusoids.
Effect of raloxifene—a selective oestrogen receptor modulator—on kidney function in post‐menopausal women with Type 2 diabetes: results from a randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot trial
Authors: Hadjadj S. , Gourdy P. , Zaoui P. , Guerci B. , Roudaut N. , Gautier J. F. , Chabin M. , Mauco G. , Ragot S. ,   for the RADIAN (Raloxifene in Diabetic Nephropathy) Study Group
Published: May 2007

Aims  Epidemiological and experimental data suggest that activation of the oestrogen receptor pathway limits the incidence and the progression of diabetic nephropathy. We tested the hypothesis that raloxifene protects against increasing urinary albumin excretion in post‐menopausal women with Type 2 diabetes in a randomized pilot clinical trial.

Methods  We included 39 post‐menopausal women with Type 2 diabetes and micro‐ or macro‐albuminuria in a 6‐month, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial: 20 received placebo and 19 received 60 mg raloxifene per day. The albumin : creatinine ratio (ACR) in urine was determined on three consecutive days during the week before randomization and during the week before the final visit.

Results  One patient in each group dropped out in the first 3 weeks, leaving 37 patients for the analysis (19 on placebo and 18 on raloxifene). From randomization to the final visit, mean ACR was unchanged in the placebo group {277 µg/mg (67; 651) [median (interquartile range)] vs. 284 µg/mg (79; 1508)} but decreased slightly in the raloxifene group [376 µg/mg (67; 615) vs. 243 µg/mg (103; 549)]. This corresponds to a change of +24 (−37; +517) for the placebo group vs. −10 µg/mg (−36; +16) for the raloxifene group (P = 0.11). In multivariate analysis, raloxifene treatment (Padjusted = 0.013), baseline low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (Padjusted = 0.023) and change in LDL cholesterol (Padjusted = 0.008) were related to the absolute change in ACR. Adverse effects were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions  These results suggest that raloxifene may limit the progression of albuminuria in post‐menopausal women with diabetes; further studies in a larger population are warranted.
Living with Type 2 diabetes: a family perspective
Authors: White P. , Smith S. M. , O'Dowd T.
Published: May 2007

Aim  To explore the beliefs, attitudes and perceptions of adults with Type 2 diabetes and their family members.

Methods  Focus groups were conducted with: (i) people with good diabetes control (HbA1c < 7.0%); (ii) their family members; (iii) people with poor diabetes control (HbA1c > 8.5%); and (iv) their family members.

Results  There were no discernible differences between those with good and poor diabetes control or between the family members of each group. Overall, family members perceived diabetes to be more serious and as having a greater impact on daily life than those with the illness. Those with diabetes were unaware of this heightened concern and had a more relaxed approach to living with diabetes. The lack of information and perceived knowledge about diabetes impacted upon participants’ causal attributions about the illness and its perceived severity.

Conclusions  Diabetes is an illness that affects both individuals and families. There is a need for further investigation into the impact that family members have on the management of diabetes.
On the Determinants and Dynamics of Dividend Policy
Authors: Ben Naceur Samy , Goaied Mohamed , Belanes Amel
Published: May 2007

The authors study the dividend policy of 48 firms listed on the Tunisian Stock Exchange during the period 1996–2002. The study tests whether or not managers of Tunisian listed firms smooth their dividends. Moreover, the study outlines the main determinants that may drive the dividend policy of Tunisian quoted firms. To answer the first question, we use Lintner's model in a dynamic setting. The results clearly demonstrate that Tunisian firms rely on both current earnings and past dividends to fix their dividend payment. However, the study shows that dividends tend to be more sensitive to current earnings than prior dividends. To find out the determinants of dividend policy, dynamic panel regressions have been performed. First, profitable firms with more stable earnings can afford larger free cash flows and thus pay larger dividends. Furthermore, they distribute larger dividends whenever they are growing fast. However, neither the ownership concentration nor the financial leverage seems to have any impact on dividend policy in Tunisia. Also, the liquidity of stock market and size negatively impacts the dividend payment. The results are somewhat robust to different specifications.
HSP110, caspase‐3 and ‐9 expression in physiological apoptosis and apoptosis induced by in vivo embryonic exposition to all‐trans retinoic acid or irradiation during early mouse eye development
Authors: Gashegu Julien , Ladha Reza , Vanmuylder Nathalie , Philippson Catherine , Bremer Françoise , Rooze Marcel , Louryan Stéphane
Published: May 2007

Apoptosis is an essential physiological process in embryonic development. In the developing eye of vertebrates, three periods of developmental apoptosis can be distinguished: early, intermediate and later. Within the apoptosis pathway, caspases play a crucial role. It has also been shown that HSP110 may have a potential role in apoptosis. The aim of this research was to study the expression of HSP110, caspase‐3 and ‐9 in physiological, retinoic‐ or irradiation‐induced apoptosis during early eye development. Seven pregnant C57Bl/6J mice received 80 mg kg−1 of all‐trans retinoic acid mixed with sesame oil. Seven pregnant NMRI mice received 2 Gy irradiation at the same gestational day. Control mice of both strains (seven mice of each) were not submitted to any treatment. Embryos were harvested at 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after exposition, fixed, dehydrated and embedded. Coronal sections (5 µm) were made. Slide staining occurred alternatively using anti‐caspase‐3, anti‐caspase‐9 and anti‐HSP110 immunohistochemistry. HSP110 and caspase‐3 expression presented similar topographic and chronological patterns, whereas expression of HSP110 was more precocious in retinoic acid‐treated embryos. After retinoic exposure, caspase‐3‐ and HSP110‐positive cells were increased in the region of the optic vesicle. By contrast, after irradiation, caspase‐3‐ and HSP110‐positive cells were noticeably increased in the optic vesicle, peri‐optical mesoderm but less in lens placode. HSP110 was expressed before caspase‐3. By contrast, caspase‐9 was expressed by a very small number of cells in the optic vesicle either under physiological or under teratogenic conditions. Thus, it seems that activation of caspase‐9 is dispensable in early eye developmental apoptosis.
Curcuma longa extract as a histological dye for collagen fibres and red blood cells
Authors: Avwioro O. G. , Onwuka S. K. , Moody J. O. , Agbedahunsi J. M. , Oduola T. , Ekpo O. E. , Oladele A. A.
Published: May 2007

Crude ethanolic extract and column chromatographic fractions of the Allepey cultivar of Curcuma longa Roxb, commonly called turmeric (tumeric) in commerce, were used as a stain for tissue sections. Staining was carried out under basic, acidic and neutral media conditions. Inorganic and organic dissolution solvents were used. The stain was used as a counterstain after alum and iron haematoxylins. C. longa stained collagen fibres, cytoplasm, red blood cells and muscle cells yellow. It also stained in a fashion similar to eosin, except for its intense yellow colour. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation of the active column fraction revealed that it contained flavonoids, free anthraquinone and deoxy sugar. A cheap, natural dye can thus be obtained from C. longa.
Discontinuous presentation of ambiguous figures: How interstimulus‐interval durations affect reversal dynamics and ERPs
Authors: Kornmeier Jürgen , Ehm Werner , Bigalke Heiko , Bach Michael
Published: May 2007

If we observe an ambiguous figure, our percept is unstable and alternates between the possible interpretations. Periodically interrupting the presentation sizably modulates the spontaneous reversal rate. We here studied event‐related potential (ERP) correlates of the neural processes underlying these strong modulations. An ambiguous Necker stimulus was presented discontinuously with four randomly varying interstimulus intervals (ISI; 14, 43, 130, 390 ms) while participants indicated perceptual reversals. EEG was selectively averaged with respect to the participants' percept and ISI. ERP traces varied markedly between ISIs. A simple model explained a major part of this variation and showed that the ISI‐dependent ERP modulation occurs after disambiguation has already taken place. We suggest that perceptual stability (or reversal) depends on a system state, slowly changing from one reversal to the next. ISI can shift this state on a scale between stability and instability.
Polymorphic microsatellites in largemouth bronze gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti) developed from repeat‐enriched libraries and cross‐species amplifications
Authors: LIAO X. , YU X. , CHANG J. , TONG J.
Published: May 2007

Largemouth bronze gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti) is a medium‐sized fish endemic from the upper Yangtze River of China and its survival is threatened by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. This study reports 20 new polymorphic microsatellites from a repeat‐enriched genomic library with a mean number allele of 5.2, and observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.035 to 1, and from 0.13 to 0.917, respectively. In a cross‐species amplification test, nine of the 37 tested loci were found to be also polymorphic in a congeneric species, brass gudgeon (C. heterodon). In addition, other four loci from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were also polymorphic in C. guichenoti. Out of these 24 polymorphic microsatellites, only three loci significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in the sampled population (P < 0.0025), and all pairwise tests for linkage disequilibrium among loci were nonsignificant after applying sequential Bonferroni correction (P > 0.0026). These novel microsatellites provide sufficient levels of polymorphism for studies on population genetics and conservation in C. guichenoti and its related species.
Exploring perceptions of online infidelity
Authors: HENLINE BRANDEN H. , LAMKE LEANNE K. , HOWARD MICHAEL D.
Published: May 2007

This study examines the similarities, differences, and potential linkages between perceptions of online infidelity and traditional infidelity using a sample of 123 individuals in committed relationships. Respondents nominated both sexually and emotionally based behaviors as unfaithful and expressed greater distress in response to hypothetical emotional, as compared to sexual, online infidelity. Unlike traditional infidelity, men generally were not more upset by sexual online infidelity than were women. Both men and women believed that emotional and sexual online infidelities were likely to co‐occur. A face‐to‐face meeting was perceived to be more likely following emotional, as compared to sexual, online infidelity and men were viewed as more likely than women to engage in sexual intercourse, given a face‐to‐face meeting with the online contact.
Speed‐dating as an invaluable tool for studying romantic attraction: A methodological primer
Authors: FINKEL ELI J. , EASTWICK PAUL W. , MATTHEWS JACOB
Published: May 2007

Research on initial romantic attraction flourished in the 1960s and 1970s but has now been partially eclipsed by research on close relationships. The authors argue that speed‐dating procedures, in which participants attend an event where they experience brief “dates” with a series of potential romantic partners, permit researchers to “retrofit” the advances of close relationships research to the study of initial romantic attraction. Speed‐dating procedures also allow for strong tests of many fundamental attraction‐related hypotheses and, via longitudinal follow‐ups, could unify the fields of initial romantic attraction and close relationships. This article will help investigators conduct speed‐dating studies by addressing the methodological and logistical issues they will face and by illustrating procedures with a description of the Northwestern Speed‐Dating Study.
Addressing Mental Health and Stress in Medicaid‐Insured Pregnant Women Using a Nurse‐Community Health Worker Home Visiting Team
Authors: Roman Lee Anne , Lindsay Judith K. , Moore Joseph S. , Duthie Patricia A. , Peck Christie , Barton Lauren R. , Gebben Marcia R. , Baer Lawrence J.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: To describe the conceptual framework and program features of a nurse‐community health worker (CHW) team home visiting intervention, the trial design to test the program, and the results of a comparative evaluation of prenatal program participation.

Design: In the context of a community‐based, randomized trial, we compared participation in a nurse‐CHW team intervention with the standard community care that included a state Medicaid program (enhanced prenatal services) with nurse home visiting.

Sample: Medicaid‐eligible pregnant women (n=530), who maintained their pregnancies, had a live birth, retained custody of the child, completed more than an enrollment assessment, did not move out of the county, and were not lost to follow‐up.

Measurements: Provider reports of face‐to‐face prenatal contacts and demographic and psychosocial risk assessments obtained at study enrollment.

Results: Significant differences in the number of women with prenatal program contact and the total amount of contact were found, favoring the nurse‐CHW team approach. More women with risk characteristics were reached in the nurse‐CHW team group, with the exception of women with alcohol and drug use risks.

Conclusions: A nurse‐CHW team approach demonstrated advantage in reaching women who had barriers to participation and delivering more intensive services.
Can Migraineurs Accurately Identify Their Headaches as “Migraine” at Attack Onset?
Authors: Ng‐Mak Daisy S. , Cady Roger , Chen Ya‐Ting , Ma Larry , Bell Christopher F. , Hu X. Henry
Published: May 2007

Background.—While treating migraine early when the headache is mild is believed to link to improved treatment outcomes, it is not clear whether patients can correctly self‐identify a headache as a migraine at onset in real‐world settings.

Objective.—This study aims to assess the likelihood that patients can correctly self‐identify a headache as a migraine at onset, and to evaluate cues that patients use to correctly identify migraine attacks.

Methods.—Adult migraineurs were recruited from 14 headache clinics across the United States. Patients recorded their headache experiences via an electronic diary daily over a period of 30 days. On days when they experienced headaches, patients were asked to recall the types of headache they experienced at both onset and peak. Patients also identified cues for deciding whether the headache was a migraine or not. Using identification of migraine at headache peak as the criterion, we examined the sensitivity and specificity of migraine identification at onset. We employed generalized estimating equation (GEE) to evaluate factors identified at headache onset that predicted migraine identified at headache peak.

Results.—Of the 192 enrolled patients, 182 patients recorded a total of 1197 headache episodes over 30 days. At headache onset, 888 episodes were deemed by patients as migraine and 309 episodes not migraine; a majority (92%) of these early migraine identifications were confirmed at headache peak. Sensitivity and specificity of self‐identification of migraine at onset were 91% and 97%, respectively. A number of factors at headache onset were predictive of a migraine identified at peak: sensitivity to light (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.9–5.0), headache severity (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4–2.8), nausea symptoms (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.5–4.5), and visual disturbance (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–4.9). Patients who ruled out tension‐type headache at onset were twice (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.5–2.8) as likely to conclude a migraine at peak.

Conclusions.—Most migraineurs in tertiary care settings can correctly self‐identify a headache as a migraine at onset. Factors such as headache severity, presence of nausea, visual disturbance, sensitivity to light, and no tension‐type headache, appeared to augment the correct identification.
Endometriosis Is Associated With Prevalence of Comorbid Conditions in Migraine
Authors: Tietjen Gretchen E. , Bushnell Cheryl D. , Herial Nabeel A. , Utley Christine , White Leah , Hafeez Faizan
Published: May 2007

Objective.—To examine the headache characteristics of women with migraine and endometriosis (EM), and differences in the prevalence of comorbid conditions between female migraineurs with EM, without EM and nonheadache controls.

Background.—Migraine and EM are common conditions in women of reproductive age, and both are influenced by ovarian hormones. The comorbidity of migraine and EM is newly recognized, but reasons for the association are uncertain.

Methods.—This is a cross‐sectional study of female headache outpatients and healthy controls conducted at University of Toledo and Duke University in 2005 and 2006. After a headache specialist determined headache frequency and diagnosis (based on criteria of the second International Classification of Headache Disorders), patients completed a self‐administered electronic survey with information on demographics, headache‐related disability, menstrual disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), vascular event risk, and comorbid conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia (FM), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), interstitial cystitis (IC), depression, and anxiety.

Results.—Study enrolled 171 women with migraine and 104 controls. EM was reported more commonly in migraineurs than in controls (22% vs 9.6%, P < .01). Frequency of chronic headache was higher in migraineurs with EM compared to without EM (P= .002) and median headache‐related disability scores were also higher in the EM group (P= .025). Symptoms of PMDD were more common in migraineurs, but frequency did not differ by EM status. Migraineurs with EM reported more menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and infertility compared to the migraine cohort without EM and to controls. Depression, anxiety, IBS, FM, CFS, and IC were more common in migraine with EM group than in controls. Anxiety (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–4.7), IC (OR = 10.6, 95% CI 1.9‐56.5), and CFS (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.1–11.5) were more common in migraine with EM group, than in the cohort with migraine without EM.

Conclusion.—Prevalence of EM is higher in women with migraine than in nonheadache controls. Migraineurs with EM have more frequent and disabling headaches, and are more likely to have other comorbid conditions affecting mood and pain, compared to migraineurs without EM.
Nebivolol and Metoprolol for Treating Migraine: An Advance on β‐Blocker Treatment?
Authors: Schellenberg Rudiger , Lichtenthal Albert , Wöhling Heike , Graf Christine , Brixius Klara
Published: May 2007

Objective.— To evaluate the efficacy of oral treatment with nebivolol and metoprolol in the prophylaxis of migraine attacks.

Background.— β‐Blockers such as propranolol and metoprolol are known to be effective in preventing migraine attacks. Following earlier observations of successful use of nebivolol in a few hypertensive patients with concomitant migraine, we conducted a prospective study to ascertain whether nebivolol would be effective and better tolerated, in a methodologically strict, randomized and double‐blind setting.

Design and Methods.— Randomized, double‐blind study in 30 patients with confirmed migraine diagnosis, a minimum 1‐year history, onset prior to 50 years of age, written records of attacks for the previous 3 months, and minimum 2 attacks per month. Primary endpoint was frequency of attacks (prevention of migraine attacks) in the final 4 weeks of a 14‐week treatment on full dose of metoprolol and nebivolol. Secondary endpoints were time to therapeutic effect, duration of attacks, intensity of headache, consumption of analgesics, evaluation of accompanying symptoms, migraine disability assessment, clinical global impression, quality of life, and responder rates. The statistical analysis was prospectively planned and conducted for all randomized patients.

Results.— Both metoprolol and nebivolol where similarly effective regarding the main endpoint (prevention of migraine attacks) as well as the secondary ones, and both had a fast onset of action, typically within 4 weeks from starting therapy, with responder rates increasing relatively little over time after the first 4 weeks. Use of acute pain medication decreased on both drugs, as well as accompanying symptoms. Both patients' and physicians' evaluations of disability and disease status were similarly favorable to the 2 treatments. Regarding safety, nebivolol was considerably better tolerated than metoprolol in terms of all reported events, treatment‐related events, and event severity.

Conclusions.— Our results suggest that nebivolol is as effective as metoprolol in the prophylaxis of migraine attacks, with the advantages of being better tolerated and not requiring up‐titration to achieve therapeutic levels. Further and larger trials should be conducted on nebivolol in the prevention of migraine attacks as it may provide an improvement in current migraine prophylaxis with β‐blockers.
College Student Alcohol Consumption, Day of the Week, and Class Schedule
Authors: Wood Phillip K. , Sher Kenneth J. , Rutledge Patricia C.
Published: May 2007

Background: For many college students, Friday class schedules may contribute to weekend‐like drinking behaviors beginning on Thursday. This study characterizes college students' daily alcohol consumption patterns and the relation between Thursday drinking and Friday classes overall and for specific vulnerable groups.

Methods: A sample of 3,341 volunteer participants was drawn from 3,713 eligible first‐time undergraduates (56% female, 90% non‐Hispanic white). Eligible participation rates ranged from 66.5 to 74.0% across follow‐ups; 90% contributed data at for least one follow‐up. Precollege survey and web‐based surveys administered in the fall and spring semesters across 4 years of college were merged with student academic transcripts and university academic schedules at a large Midwestern public university. The main outcome measures included past 7‐day self‐reports of drinking behavior for each of 8 semesters.

Results: Excessive drinking on Thursday, relative to other weekdays, was found and was moderated by Friday class schedule: hierarchical linear models indicated that students with no Friday classes drank approximately twice as much on Thursdays as students with early Friday classes (i.e., mean drinks=1.24 for students with early Friday class vs 2.41 for students with no Friday class). Students who had classes beginning at 12 pm. or later consumed similar amounts as those with no Friday classes (M=2.52). The magnitude of the Friday class effect was comparatively larger among males and among those who were members of the Greek system or participated in Greek activities. Ancillary analyses based on the subset of students who showed within‐subject variability in Friday classes across semesters (i.e., had both early and late or no Friday classes) produced findings similar to those based on the entire sample. Little evidence was found for compensatory drinking on Friday and Saturday among those with early Friday classes.

Conclusions: Rates and amounts of alcohol consumption on Thursday are high, although they appear to be influenced by the presence and timing of Friday classes. Friday classes, especially those before 10 am, may reduce excessive drinking. Controlled institutional interventions are suggested to provide definitive research on the causal status of these ostensibly strong effects. This research provides a strong rationale for conducting such research.
Systematic Review of Driving Risk and the Efficacy of Compensatory Strategies in Persons with Dementia
Authors: Man‐Son‐Hing Malcolm , Marshall Shawn C. , Molnar Frank J. , Wilson Keith G.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether persons with dementia are at greater driving risk and, if so, to estimate the magnitude of this risk and determine whether there are efficacious methods to compensate for or accommodate it.

DESIGN: Systematic review of the literature.

SETTING: Case‐control studies.

PARTICIPANTS: Drivers with a diagnosis of dementia.

MEASUREMENTS: Most studies used state and caregiver reported crash rates, performance‐based road tests, and driving simulator evaluations as their outcome measures.

RESULTS: Twenty‐three studies were included. Drivers with dementia universally exhibited poorer performance on road tests and simulator evaluations, although only one study using an objective measure of motor vehicle crashes was able to show that drivers with dementia were involved in more crashes than control subjects. No studies were found that examined the efficacy of methods to compensate for or accommodate their worse driving performance.

CONCLUSION: Drivers with dementia are poorer drivers than cognitively normal drivers, but studies have not consistently demonstrated higher crash rates. Clinicians and policy makers must take these findings into account when addressing issues pertinent to drivers with a diagnosis of dementia.
Economists' Opinions of Economists' Work
Authors: Davis William L.
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  Economists' credibility has been waning in recent years. Critics usually cite the profession's preoccupation with abstract reasoning and its focus on seemingly irrelevant topics that hold little interest for individuals outside the discipline. While economic science has enormous potential for improving living standards, the profession's adverse reputation is indicative of a discipline seemingly void of any social contribution. This article presents the results of a recently conducted survey of professional economists. The survey was undertaken to ascertain economists' opinions of their own professional work, including the progress of economic research, its usefulness for society, and factors that determine the publication of that research.
Is There a Free‐Market Economist in the House? The Policy Views of American Economic Association Members
Authors: Klein Daniel B. , Stern Charlotta
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  People often suppose or imply that free‐market economists constitute a significant portion of all economists. We surveyed American Economic Association members and asked their views on 18 specific forms of government activism. We find that about 8 percent of AEA members can be considered supporters of free‐market principles, and that less than 3 percent may be called strong supporters. The data are broken down by voting behavior (Democratic or Republican). Even the average Republican AEA member is “middle‐of‐the‐road,” not free‐market. We offer several possible explanations of the apparent difference between actual and attributed views.
Are Congressional Black Caucus Members More Reliable? Loyalty Screening and Committee Assignments of Newly Elected Legislators
Authors: Mixon Franklin G. , Pagels Amanda C.
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  As previous research has suggested, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) demonstrates the characteristics of a well‐functioning vote‐producing cartel in both the degree and uniformity to which it supports the leadership of the Democratic Party in the U.S. House of Representatives. As previous work has pointed out, this cartel is, therefore, rewarded by House Democrats through selection for service on “important” committees at the beginning of each Congress. However, Democratic leaders have very little, if any, information to guide them in their choices regarding committee placement for newly elected Democratic representatives. As such, they are likely to use past CBC uniformity and loyalty as a low‐cost screening device for predicting future reliability. Examination of the committee placement of newly elected Democrats to the U.S. House from the 103rd Congress through the 106th Congress reveals such a pattern by House Democratic leaders. In other words, newly elected CBC Democrats face much higher probabilities of receiving “important” committee assignments than their newly elected non‐CBC counterparts, ceteris paribus.
The Division of Labor Under Homogeneity: A Critique of Mises and Rothbard
Authors: Block Walter , Hansen Per Henrik , Klein Peter G.
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  Even the most passionate defenders of free trade, such as Mises and Rothbard, claim that trade cannot occur under conditions of strict homogeneity of land, labor, and capital. We show that specialization, trade, and the division of labor can emerge even when resources are initially homogenous, due to “natural heterogeneity,” economies of scale, and learning.