bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of stroke ward care versus mobile stroke teams in the Hungarian stroke database project
Authors: Óváry C. , Szegedi N. , May Z. , Gubucz I. , Nagy Z.
Published: May 2007

Although previous studies have proved that both stroke wards and mobile stroke teams are considerably better than non‐specialized stroke care, an unresolved debate in vascular neurology is whether or not stroke wards provide better outcomes in some specific cases to stroke victims. Our prospective, multicenter, cohort study compared dedicated stroke wards versus specialist stroke team care at general hospital wards in 11 centers nationwide for 8743 consecutive stroke events during 18 months. Twenty‐eight‐day case‐fatality rate was 12.6% at stroke wards versus 15.2% at stroke teams for all patients (P = 0.002), and stroke ward care also predicted better outcome when analyzed with multivariate logistic regression model (odds ratio 1.701; confidence interval: 1.025–2.822). Case‐fatality rates were not significantly different in patients with modified Rankin score ≥2 (case‐fatality rate: 17.8% vs. 20.3%; P = 0.163), and over 60 (case‐fatality rate: 14.8% vs. 15.9%; P = 0.250), however these patients were more probably at home after 4 weeks when treated at stroke wards (56.1% vs. 50.6%; P = 0.03, and 69.5% vs. 64.5%; P = 0.004). In our study, stroke ward admission provided lower case‐fatality rate below 60 and for those independent prior to their strokes, and lower institutionalization over 60 and amongst previously dependent patients, when compared with stroke teams.
Religious Diversity and Community Volunteerism Among Asian Americans
Authors: ECKLUND ELAINE HOWARD , PARK JERRY Z.
Published: May 2007

We examine whether religious membership and participation foster community volunteerism among a religiously diverse group of Asian Americans. We use data from the Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey (SCCBS), the only data set that contains both a large, national sample of Asian Americans and detailed questions on religious and civic participation. Asian‐American Protestants, Catholics, and adherents of non‐Christian religions are involved in community volunteerism to varying degrees. Surprisingly, however, fewer Hindus and Buddhists volunteer when compared to the nonaffiliated. We use these results to propose theoretical concepts that take into account the impact of a religion's structure as well as the double‐minority status faced by nonwhite and non‐Christian Asian Americans on the likelihood of volunteering. Our findings indicate that accepted predictors of community volunteerism may operate differently among new nonwhite immigrants and their children than in the general U.S. population; this provides building blocks for future research on religion and civic participation among nonwhite and non‐Christian populations.
The European Employment Strategy: Towards More and Better Jobs?*
Authors: RAVEAUD GILLES
Published: May 2007

The European Employment Strategy (EES) is the employment policy of the European Union. According to its 2000 orientations, the EES was to promote ‘more and better jobs’. In fact, the EES has not lived up to this promise. First, the EES has not been able to put the quality of jobs firmly on its agenda. On the contrary, the EES argues in favour of more flexible jobs. Second, the EES criticizes countries such as Sweden and Denmark for their high levels of taxes and unemployment benefits, despite the results these countries achieve in terms of employment. The orientations of the EES can be understood as deriving from mainstream economics; it is argued that they go against the European social model.
Normative Power Europe: A Credible Utopia?*
Authors: SCHEIPERS SIBYLLE , SICURELLI DANIELA
Published: May 2007

Studies on the international identity of the EU have stressed the normative feature of European foreign policy. At the same time, scholars have pointed out that the inconsistency between the EU's rhetoric and behaviour and the lack of reflexivity undermines its credibility. How does reflexivity affect collective identity? To what extent does the EU's utopian rhetoric affect its credibility as a normative power? In order to address these questions, we investigate the self‐representation of the EU as an international actor, the extent to which this self‐representation provides a basis for reflexivity and, finally, the impact of the EU's identity narratives on its credibility. We focus on the normative power of the EU in the institutionalization of the International Criminal Court and in the elaboration and ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
Interleukin 6 Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Gene Polymorphism in Centenarians
Authors: Capurso C. , Solfrizzi V. , D'Introno A. , Colacicco A. M. , Capurso S. A. , Semeraro C. , Capurso A. , Panza F.
Published: May 2007

Recent population‐based studies identified the magnitude of interleukin 6 (IL6) serum levels as a marker for functional disability, and a predictor of disability and mortality among the elderly. We investigated whether there was evidence in Southern Italy of an association between the IL6 gene variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism and extreme longevity, and tested for the possible interaction of apolipoprotein E (APOE) alleles with the IL6 VNTR alleles. Four alleles coding for variants of four different lengths have been identified: allele A [760 base pairs (bp)], allele B (680 bp), allele C (640 bp), and allele D (610 bp). IL6 VNTR and APOE allele and genotype frequencies were studied in a total of 61 centenarians and 94 middle‐aged subjects from Southern Italy. The IL6 VNTR allele B was overrepresented in the younger control group compared with centenarians (odds ratio: 0.56, 95% confidence interval: 0.35–0.88, Bonferroni p‐value < 0.05). No interactions between IL6 VNTR alleles and APOE alleles on the odds ratios to reach extreme longevity were evaluated for the smallest number of subjects in centenarians and younger controls. Our findings suggested that the presence of the IL6 VNTR allele B could be detrimental for reaching extreme longevity.
Excitotoxic damage to white matter
Authors: Matute Carlos , Alberdi Elena , Domercq María , Sánchez‐Gómez María‐Victoria , Pérez‐Samartín Alberto , Rodríguez‐Antigüedad Alfredo , Pérez‐Cerdá Fernando
Published: May 2007

Glutamate kills neurons by excitotoxicity, which is caused by sustained activation of glutamate receptors. In recent years, it has been shown that glutamate can also be toxic to white matter oligodendrocytes and to myelin by this mechanism. In particular, glutamate receptor‐mediated injury to these cells can be triggered by activation of alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid, kainate andN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate glutamate receptor types. Thus, these receptor classes, and the intermediaries of the signal cascades they activate, are potential targets for drug development to treat white matter damage in acute and chronic diseases. In addition, alterations of glutamate homeostasis in white matter can determine glutamate injury to oligodendrocytes and myelin. Astrocytes are responsible for most glutamate uptake in synaptic and non‐synaptic areas and consequently are the major regulators of glutamate homeostasis. Activated microglia in turn may secrete cytokines and generate radical oxygen species, which impair glutamate uptake and reduce the expression of glutamate transporters. Finally, oligodendrocytes also contribute to glutamate homeostasis. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge about the mechanisms leading to oligodendrocyte cell death and demyelination as a consequence of alterations in glutamate signalling, and their clinical relevance to disease. In addition, we show evidence that oligodendrocytes can also be killed by ATP acting at P2X receptors. A thorough understanding of how oligodendrocytes and myelin are damaged by excitotoxicity will generate knowledge that can lead to improved therapeutic strategies to protect white matter.
Follow up and evaluation of the Victorian first‐trimester combined screening programme for Down syndrome and trisomy 18
Authors: Jaques AM , Halliday JL , Francis I , Bonacquisto L , Forbes R , Cronin A , Sheffield LJ
Published: May 2007

Objective  The objective of this study was to follow up and evaluate the statewide first‐trimester combined screening programme for Down syndrome and trisomy 18 at Genetic Health Services Victoria, Australia.

Design  Retrospective population cohort.

Setting  Maternal Serum Screening Laboratory records.

Sample  All women screened between February 2000 and June 2002 (16 153 pregnancies).

Methods  Screening results were matched to Victorian perinatal and birth defect data via record linkage, with an ascertainment of 96.8% of pregnancy outcomes. Manual follow up with health professionals increased ascertainment to more than 99%.

Main outcome measures  Fetal Down syndrome or trisomy 18, and combined screen results, to calculate test characteristics.

Results  Using a risk threshold of 1 in 300 at time of ultrasound, the sensitivities for standard first‐trimester combined screening and augmented 13‐week combined screening for Down syndrome were 87.3 and 90.5% and the false‐positive rates (FPR) were 4.1 and 3.9%, respectively. The sensitivity for trisomy 18 was 66.7% (10/15, 95% CI 42.8–90.5%) with a 0.4% FPR and 15.2% positive predictive value (1 in 250 risk threshold).

Conclusions  The combined use of record linkage and manual follow‐up techniques was effective in ascertaining more than 99% of pregnancy outcomes for calculations of accurate test characteristics of the combined screen. The sensitivity for Down syndrome at Genetic Health is comparable to similar populations. However, the sensitivity for trisomy 18 is lower than that elsewhere, which may reflect the overall low birth prevalence of trisomy 18 and associated small numbers in this particular cohort.
Individual differences in mathematical ability: genetic, cognitive and behavioural factors
Authors: Adams John W.
Published: May 2007

Identifying individuals with mathematical difficulties (MD) is becoming increasingly important in our education system. However, recognising MD is only the first stage in the provision of special educational needs (SEN). Although planning the effective remedial support is vital, there is little consensus on the interventions that are appropriate. There are two main reasons for this: first, MD has a variety of manifestations which appear to change with age; and second, there are many potential causes for the difficulties individuals experience. This paper addresses these issues by reviewing research evidence from three ‘domains’ of psychological research (genetic, cognitive, behavioural), all of which appear to offer insights into potential influences on mathematical ability.
The influence of microbial redox cycling on radionuclide mobility in the subsurface at a low‐level radioactive waste storage site
Authors: WILKINS M. J. , LIVENS F. R. , VAUGHAN D. J. , BEADLE I. , LLOYD J. R.
Published: May 2007

As anaerobic microbial metabolism can have a major impact on radionuclide speciation and mobility in the subsurface, the solubility of uranium, technetium and radium was determined in microcosms prepared from sediments adjacent to the Drigg low‐level radioactive waste storage site (UK). Both uranium (as U(VI); ) and Tc (as Tc(VII); ) were removed from groundwater concurrently with microbial Fe(III) reduction, presumably through reduction to insoluble U(IV) and Tc(IV), respectively, while Ra (Ra2+) that had rapidly sorbed onto mineral surfaces was not released following Fe(III) reduction. Biogenic Fe(II) minerals in reduced Drigg sediments were unable to reduce U(VI) abiotically but could reduce Tc(VII). Following addition of the oxidant nitrate to the reduced sediments, uranium was remobilized and released into solution, whereas technetium remained associated with an insoluble phase. A close relative of Pseudomonas stutzeri dominated the microbial communities under denitrifying conditions, reducing nitrate to nitrite in the microcosms, which was able to reoxidize Fe(II) and U(IV), with release of the latter into solution as U(VI). These data suggest that microbial Fe(III) reduction in the far‐field at Drigg has the potential to decrease the migration of some radionuclides in the subsurface, and the potential for reoxidation and remobilization by nitrate, a common contaminant in nuclear waste streams, is radionuclide‐specific.
Impact of ski pistes on soil properties: a case study from a mountainous area in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Delgado R. , Sánchez‐Marañón M. , Martín‐García J. M. , Aranda V. , Serrano‐Bernardo F. , Rosúa J. L.
Published: May 2007

In this study, soils on 17 ski pistes in the Sierra Nevada, Spain, were investigated to identify changes induced by ski management practices and also to determine the effectiveness of grass seeding in restoring soil quality. When compared with unaffected reference soils, those of ski runs had substantial loss of organic carbon (−34%, −11.9 ± 3.6 t ha−1) and micropore volume and size (−33%, −0.07 ± 0.01 cm3 cm−3and −48%, −1.62 ± 0.28 μm). Microstructure showed a dramatic reduction in organic cements and fungal hyphae. The organic content of soil seeded with grass significantly improved compared with soil not seeded or seeded unsuccessfully (P < 0.05), especially where the topsoil was reinstated. Organic C content, microporosity and soil respiration increased by 200% (+21 ± 5 t ha−1), 70% (+0.07 ± 0.03 cm3 cm−3) and 140% (+0.10 ± 0.04 mg CO2 g−1 day−1), respectively. Average micropore size in aggregates which in undisturbed soils was 3.40 ± 0.28 μm reverted to 3.52 ± 0.36 μm. However, the microstructure of the revegetated soils did not attain the levels of organic cements and fungal hyphae in the natural soils. Dolomite and salts were added to the soil to aid slope stabilization, fertility and de‐icing of access tracks. As a consequence, there were increases in pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), electrical conductivity, calcium carbonate equivalent and base saturation. The influence of management on soil properties was found to be greater than that of environmental factors.
ARCHAEOMETRY AT THE ARGENTINE NATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION: CHARACTERIZATION OF ARGENTINE NORTHWESTERN POTTERY
Authors: PLÁ R. R. , RATTO N. R.
Published: May 2007

This paper provides a description of the Nuclear Analytical Techniques Group of the Argentine National Atomic Energy Commission, at the Ezeiza Atomic Center. In 1963, this laboratory performed the first application of neutron activation analysis in Argentina and currently employs the technique to analyse a variety of matrices, including archaeological ceramics. The group has collaborated on different research projects since the 1980s, when the first characterization of archaeological ceramics was performed. A brief history of the laboratory and the results from the analysis of potsherds and raw materials from northwestern Argentina are presented below.
Oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in a Turkish group of patients with active and inactive systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: TURGAY Murat , DURAK Ilker , ERTEN Sukran , ERTUGRUL Esin , DEVRIM Erdinc , AVCI Aslihan , TURGAY Fugen
Published: May 2007

Aim:  Although the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is likely to be multifactorial, the inflammatory nature of SLE implies that a state of oxidative stress may exist in this disease, which may contribute to immune cell dysfunction, auto‐antigen production and auto‐antibody reactivity. This study was conducted to investigate the oxidant/antioxidant status of patients with SLE and to correlate this with disease activity.

Methods:  Sixteen clinically active, 12 clinically inactive SLE patients and 11 healthy controls were included into the study and antioxidant potential (AOP), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), adenosine deaminase (ADA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity levels in erythrocytes and AOP, GSH‐Px, MDA, and XO activity levels in plasma were measured.

Results:  In erythrocytes; AOP was higher in SLE patients (both active and inactive), CAT activity was higher in inactive SLE patients, GSH‐Px, SOD and XO activity were lower in SLE patients (active and inactive) than the control group. In plasma; SLE patients (active and inactive) had higher AOP levels, activity of GSH‐Px was lower in SLE groups (active and inactive), activity of MDA was lower in active SLE patients, and activity of XO was higher in the active SLE patients than the control group.

Conclusion:  Antioxidant status was impaired in SLE patients but there was no significant difference between the active and inactive SLE groups, so oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of SLE but probably is not correlated with disease activity.
Comparative study of anti‐CCP and RF for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: SHARIF Sakineh‐Khatoun , EGHBAL Shahin , GHARIBDOOST Farhad , Kbarian Mahmood A. , SHAHRAM Farhad , NADJI Abdolhadi , JAMSHIDI Ahmad‐Reza , DAVATCHI Fereydoun
Published: May 2007

Aim:  To determine the frequency of anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti‐CCP) in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and another group with other rheumatic diseases.

Patients and methods:  Anti‐CCP1 and rheumatoid factor (RF) titres were determined in 320 serum samples; 136 from RA patients, 184 from control patients (165 patients with rheumatic diseases other than RA, and 21 patients with lymphoproliferative diseases).

Results:  The sensitivity of Anti‐CCP was 62.5% (95% CI: 53–70%) for the diagnosis of RA with a specificity of 89.1% (95% CI: 83–93%). The sensitivity of RF was 85.3% (95% CI: 79–91%). The specificity was 64.7% (95% CI: 57–71%).

Conclusions:  Anti‐CCP1 has not very high specificity for RA regarding other rheumatic disease. However it is still very helpful for the diagnosis of RA.
Post‐Planting Treatments Increase Growth of Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryanaDougl. ex Hook.) Seedlings
Authors: Devine Warren D. , Harrington Constance A. , Leonard Lathrop P.
Published: May 2007

The extent of Oregon white oak woodland and savanna ecosystems in the U.S. Pacific Northwest has diminished significantly during the past century due to land use changes and fire suppression. Planting Oregon white oak seedlings is often necessary when restoring these plant communities. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of post‐planting treatments for establishing Oregon white oak seedlings on sites characterized by low growing season precipitation and coarse‐textured soils. We evaluated the effects of control of competing vegetation, tree shelters, fertilization, irrigation, and planting date on growth of planted seedlings. Survival was generally high (90%), but growth rate varied substantially among treatments. Plastic mulch increased soil water content and increased annual seedling height growth by an average of 56% relative to one‐time manual removal of competing vegetation. Solid‐walled tree shelters reduced browse damage and increased mean annual height growth compared to mesh shelters and no shelter by averages of 7.5 and 10.9 cm, respectively. Controlled‐release fertilizer applied at planting did not consistently increase seedling growth. Weekly irrigation (3.8 L/seedling) increased first‐year seedling growth only where mulch also was applied. Seedlings planted by late February had greater root growth by summer than those planted in early April. Soil water management was necessary for best seedling growth, and the improved height growth in solid‐walled tree shelters allowed the terminal shoot to grow more quickly above the height of animal browse. Our results indicate effective methods for establishing Oregon white oak seedlings, but these results may also be applicable to establishment of other tree species on similarly droughty sites.
Long‐Term Monitoring and Evaluation of the Lower Red River Meadow Restoration Project, Idaho, U.S.A.
Authors: Klein Linda R. , Clayton Stephen R. , Alldredge J. Richard , Goodwin Peter
Published: May 2007

Although public and financial support for stream restoration projects is increasing, long‐term monitoring and reporting of project successes and failures are limited. We present the initial results of a long‐term monitoring program for the Lower Red River Meadow Restoration Project in north‐central Idaho, U.S.A. We evaluate a natural channel design’s effectiveness in shifting a degraded stream ecosystem onto a path of ecological recovery. Field monitoring and hydrodynamic modeling are used to quantify post‐restoration changes in 17 physical and biological performance indicators. Statistical and ecological significance are evaluated within a framework of clear objectives, expected responses (ecological hypotheses), and performance criteria (reference conditions) to assess post‐restoration changes away from pre‐restoration conditions. Compared to pre‐restoration conditions, we observed ecosystem improvements in channel sinuosity, slope, depth, and water surface elevation; quantity, quality, and diversity of in‐stream habitat and spawning substrate; and bird population numbers and diversity. Modeling documented the potential for enhanced river–floodplain connectivity. Failure to detect either statistically or ecologically significant change in groundwater depth, stream temperature, native riparian cover, and salmonid density is due to a combination of small sample sizes, high interannual variability, external influences, and the early stages of recovery. Unexpected decreases in native riparian cover led to implementation of adaptive management strategies. Challenges included those common to most project‐level monitoring—isolating restoration effects in complex ecosystems, securing long‐term funding, and implementing scientifically rigorous experimental designs. Continued monitoring and adaptive management that support the establishment of mature and dense riparian shrub communities are crucial to overall success of the project.
Seagrass Transplanting in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia: A Comparison of Manual Transplantation Methodology Using Posidonia sinuosa Cambridge et Kuo
Authors: Paling Eric I. , Van Keulen Michael , Tunbridge David J.
Published: May 2007

Seagrass transplants (plant units [PUs]) were established to examine the feasibility of seagrass rehabilitation in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. Five hundred and twenty plant units (plugs and sprigs) of Posidonia sinuosa Cambridge et Kuo were placed at seven locations at depths of 3, 5, and 9 m and monitored to determine the influence of transplant method, location, and depth upon survival and growth over 2 years. Depending on the site, more plugs had survived at the completion of the trial (mean survival 41%) than sprigs (mean survival 15%). Plug and sprig survival differed significantly with transplant depth, decreasing overall with increasing depth. Forty‐five percent of surviving plugs and 50% of sprigs exhibited horizontal rhizome extension. Mean rhizome extension after 2 years was 9.5 cm/plug (1–23 cm) and 18.3 cm/sprig (0.5–31 cm). Declines in PU survival and variable growth correlate with site‐specific variability in light climate. Plug transplantation was deemed the most suitable method for further manual seagrass rehabilitation, exhibiting higher survival across all sites and conditions; however, they are costly to deploy. Sprig PUs have greatest potential in shallow water with fine sands, moderate water movement, and maximum light availability. The low cost of deploying sprigs may outweigh their lower survival compared to plugs; further efforts should be directed to enhancing survival of sprig PUs under a wider range of conditions. Suitable locations for future rehabilitation efforts in Cockburn Sound were the Eastern and Western Banks and shallow areas off Woodman Point and Mangles Bay.
Settlement and Survival of the Oyster Crassostrea virginica on Created Oyster Reef Habitats in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Nestlerode Janet A. , Luckenbach Mark W. , O’Beirn Francis X.
Published: May 2007

Efforts to restore the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reef habitats in Chesapeake Bay typically begin with the placement of hard substrata to form three‐dimensional mounds on the seabed to serve as a base for oyster recruitment and growth. A shortage of oyster shell for creating large‐scale reefs has led to widespread use of other materials such as Surf clamshell (Spisula solidissima), as a substitute for oyster shell. Oyster recruitment, survival, and growth were monitored on intertidal reefs constructed from oyster and Surf clamshell near Fisherman’s Island, Virginia, U.S.A. and on a subtidal Surf clamshell reef in York River, Virginia, U.S.A. At the intertidal reefs, oyster larvae settlement occurred at similar levels on both substrate types throughout the monitoring period but higher levels of post‐settlement mortality occurred on clamshell reefs. The oyster shell reef supported greater oyster growth and survival and offered the highest degree of structural complexity. On the subtidal clamshell reef, the quality of the substrate varied with reef elevation. Large shell fragments and intact valves were scattered around the reef base, whereas small, tightly packed shell fragments paved the crest and flank of the reef mound. Oysters were more abundant and larger at the base of this reef and less abundant and smaller on the reef crest. The availability of interstitial space and appropriate settlement surfaces is hypothesized to account for the observed differences in oyster abundance across the reef systems. Patterns observed emphasize the importance of appropriate substrate selection for restoration activities to enhance natural recovery where an underlying habitat structure is destroyed.
Implementation of Basic Studies in the Ecological Restoration of Surface‐Mined Land
Authors: Tischew Sabine , Kirmer Anita
Published: May 2007

This paper focuses on attempts to encourage a new state of the art in the ecological restoration of surface‐mined land in Germany. On most of these sites, the application of traditional recultivation methods often destroys valuable ecological potential by leveling of the surface, ameliorating of nutrient‐poor substrates, and seeding or planting of species not suited to the present habitat conditions. Many studies have shown that even highly disturbed ecosystems, such as large mining areas, can regenerate spontaneously over long‐term periods. Colonization processes were influenced by the availability of diaspore sources as well as the suitability of sites for establishment. The predictability of succession could be improved by the identification of switch points in successional pathways depending on age and conditions of the sites. Based on the developmental potential, orientation by nature and biodiversity are selected as main targets for priority areas for nature conservation in mining sites. On priority areas restoration measures must be restricted to the use of near‐natural methods (e.g., application of fresh, diaspore‐rich plant clipping material, dumping of overburden with seed bank and vegetative propagules, seeding of site‐specific, local seed mixtures) that are very successful in preventing erosion and accelerating vegetation development. Despite the success of these methods, the transfer of knowledge between scientists, practitioners, and administrative organizations has proved to be insufficient. Therefore, one of the main tasks in ecological restoration must be the inclusion of all stakeholders involved in decision‐making processes and the establishment of a network of excellence to enhance the exchange of knowledge.
Setting Effective and Realistic Restoration Goals: Key Directions for Research
Authors: Hobbs Richard J.
Published: May 2007

Restoration ecology has made significant advances in the past few decades and stands to make significant contributions both to the practical repair of damaged ecosystems and the development of broader ecological ideas. I highlighted four main areas where progress in research can assist with this. First, we need to enhance the translation of recent advances in our understanding of ecosystem and landscape dynamics into the conceptual and practical frameworks for restoration. Second, we need to promote the development of an ability to correctly diagnose ecosystem damage, identify restoration thresholds, and develop corrective methodologies that aim to overcome such thresholds. This involves understanding which system characteristics are important in determining ecosystem recovery in a range of ecosystem types, and to what extent restoration measures need to overcome threshold and hysteresis effects. A third key requirement is to determine what realistic goals for restoration are based on the ecological realities of today and how these will change in the future, given ongoing changes in climate and land use. Finally, there is a need for a synthetic approach which draws together the ecological and social aspects of the issues surrounding restoration and the setting of restoration goals.
Diverting and Abdicating Judicial Discretion: Cultural, Political, and Procedural Dynamics in California Juvenile Justice
Authors: Harris Alexes
Published: May 2007

Although tensions between substantive and formal rationality in the adult criminal justice system have received a great deal of attention, the existence of these tensions in the juvenile justice system has received little scholarly consideration. I seek to remedy this gap by exploring how punitive policies associated with the war on crime impact the formal and informal process of justice, the court community and work group, and the exercise of discretion in the juvenile courts. Drawing on qualitative data collected in three juvenile courts in Southern California, I identify the mechanisms by which prosecutors divert judicial discretion from the traditional rehabilitation-oriented bench officers to bench officers who are more accepting of the criminalization of juveniles. In addition, I investigate how and why rehabilitation-oriented bench officers at times abdicate their decisionmaking authority and make rulings that contradict their own assessments. My findings suggest that as the war on crime is extended to youth, the juvenile courts increasingly share the criminal courts' emphasis on offense rather than offender, enhanced prosecutorial power, and adversarial relationships within the court.
The Impact of Homeowners' Housing Wealth Misestimation on Consumption and Saving Decisions
Authors: Agarwal Sumit
Published: May 2007

Using a unique data set of 81,943 house value estimates by the homeowners and their financial institution, I find that homeowners overestimate their house value by 3.1%. After controlling for homeowners' socioeconomic characteristics, I find that ex ante homeowners who rate (cash‐out) refinance an existing loan to increase savings (consumption) are significantly more likely to underestimate (overestimate) their house value. Moreover, overestimators (underestimators) are more likely to increase (reduce) their spending ex post. Finally, I also find that underestimators are more likely to prepay their loans and overestimators are more likely to default on their loans.
Land Leverage: Decomposing Home Price Dynamics
Authors: Bostic Raphael W. , Longhofer Stanley D. , Redfearn Christian L.
Published: May 2007

This article demonstrates the importance of separating the bundled good of housing into land and improvements, arguing that changes in a property's overall value will depend critically on how much of its total value is contained in the land, a proportion we call land leverage. The importance of this deconstruction is demonstrated by highlighting how land leverage helps to explain variation in house price appreciation in Wichita, Kansas. Noting that land leverage should be relevant for many real estate issues and policies, we highlight four specific areas where consideration of land leverage could significantly improve our understanding of real estate markets.

Land is the only thing in the world that amounts to anything … for ‘tis the only thing in this world that lasts, and don't you be forgetting it!‘Tis the only thing worth working for, worth fighting for—worth dying for.

Gerald O'Hara in Gone with the Wind1
Relationship between Relative Aerobic Power and Echocardiographic Characteristics in Male Athletes
Authors: Kneffel Zsuzsanna , Horváth Patrícia , Petrekanits Máté , Németh Hajnalka , Sidó Zoltán , Pavlik Gábor
Published: May 2007

The relationship between relative aerobic power (rel.VO2max) as a generally accepted indicator of endurance capacity and certain characteristics of the athlete's heart, such as body‐size related (relative) left ventricular (LV) diastolic wall thickness (WTd), internal diameter (LVIDd), muscle mass (MM), WTd/IDd, heart rate (HR), fractional shortening (FS) and E/A ratio, were investigated in 346 young males (18–35 years, 291 athletes of various events and 55 nonathletic control subjects). Rel.VO2max was measured by spiroergometry; cardiac characteristics were determined by two‐dimensionally guided M‐mode and Doppler‐echocardiography. When the groups were pooled, correlation of rel.VO2max with the cardiac parameters was significant: LVMM·BSA−1.5= 0.413, LVWTd·BSA−0.5= 0.327, LVIDd·BSA−0.5= 0.292, HR =−0.434, E/A = 0.272 (P < 0.001), but no significant relationship was seen with FS and WTd/IDd. In the endurance trained group, rel. VO2max correlated significantly with LVMM·BSA−1.5, LVWT·BSA−0.5, HR, and E/A, in the ballgame players with LVMM·BSA−1.5, LVWT·BSA−0.5, and E/A, in the power‐and‐sprint event athletes with HR and E/A. In the control group, no significant relationship was observed. Results indicate that in athletes having higher endurance capacity maximal oxygen consumption depends largely on cardiac condition, while in athletes with a lower endurance capacity it can be limited by peripheral conditions.
A Bayesian Approach to the Multistate Jolly–Seber Capture–Recapture Model
Authors: Dupuis Jerome A. , Schwarz Carl James
Published: May 2007

Summary This article considers a Bayesian approach to the multistate extension of the Jolly–Seber model commonly used to estimate population abundance in capture–recapture studies. It extends the work of George and Robert (1992, Biometrika79, 677–683), which dealt with the Bayesian estimation of a closed population with only a single state for all animals. A super‐population is introduced to model new entrants in the population. Bayesian estimates of abundance are obtained by implementing a Gibbs sampling algorithm based on data augmentation of the missing data in the capture histories when the state of the animal is unknown. Moreover, a partitioning of the missing data is adopted to ensure the convergence of the Gibbs sampling algorithm even in the presence of impossible transitions between some states. Lastly, we apply our methodology to a population of fish to estimate abundance and movement.
Vicarious Resilience: A New Concept in Work With Those Who Survive Trauma
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ PILAR , GANGSEI DAVID , ENGSTROM DAVID
Published: May 2007

This study explores the formulation of a new concept: vicarious resilience. It addresses the question of how psychotherapists who work with survivors of political violence or kidnapping are affected by their clients' stories of resilience. It focuses on the psychotherapists' interpretations of their clients' stories, and how they make sense of the impact that these stories have had on their lives. In semistructured interviews, 12 psychotherapists who work with victims of political violence and kidnapping were interviewed about their perceptions of their clients' overcoming of adversity. A phenomenological analysis of the transcripts was used to describe the themes that speak about the effects of witnessing how clients cope constructively with adversity. These themes are discussed to advance the concept of vicarious resilience and how it can contribute to sustaining and empowering trauma therapists.
Black Women and White Women: Do Perceptions of Childhood Family Environment Differ?
Authors: CLAY CASSANDRA M. , ELLIS MICHAEL A. , GRIFFIN MARGARET L. , AMODEO MARYANN , FASSLER IRENE R.
Published: May 2007

Introduction: Few studies have examined racial differences in perceptions of childhood. Little is known about how Blacks perceive their own families, particularly the family environment that they experienced in childhood.

Methods: A community sample of 290 women (55% White, 45% Black) from two‐parent families, heterogeneous in age and social class, was examined using a self‐administered questionnaire, including the Family Environment Scale (FES), followed by a focused interview. Siblings were used as collateral informants.

Results: The psychometric properties of the FES showed remarkably little variation by race: The internal scale reliability, correlations between scales, and factor structures were quite similar. Although both White and Black women reported good childhood family environments, Black women when compared with White women rated their families of origin as more cohesive, organized, and expressive, and lower in conflict. Sibling responses corroborated these findings.

Discussion: This study addresses a gap in the research literature and provides important evidence of strengths in Black family relationships as reported by a community sample of women. The psychometric properties of the FES, found to be strong for families of both races, lends support to our findings and those of other researchers who have used this measure.
Perkinsus olseni in vitro Isolates from the New Zealand Clam Austrovenus stutchburyi
Authors: DUNGAN CHRISTOPHER F. , REECE KIMBERLY S. , MOSS JESSICA A. , HAMILTON ROSALEE M. , DIGGLES BENJAMIN K.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. Perkinsus olseni infections are reported at 10%–84% prevalences among Austrovenus stutchburyi clams (cockles) in northern New Zealand coastal waters. However, P. olseni has not yet been propagated in vitro from New Zealand clams. In our sample of A. stutchburyi clams from Mangemangaroa Stream, New Zealand, 24% (8/34) showed low‐intensity Perkinsus sp. infections among mantle and gill tissues incubated in alternative Ray's fluid thioglycollate medium (ARFTM), and 5% (4/79) showed Perkinsus sp. lesions by histological analyses. Among clams that were screened using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, 16% (3/19) were positive for Perkinsus sp. DNA. Alternative Ray's fluid thioglycollate medium‐enlarged hypnospores from tissues of five infected clams yielded three in vitro Perkinsus sp. isolate cultures that were cloned before sequencing internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of their rRNA gene complex. For one isolate, ATCC PRA‐205, large subunit (LSU) rRNA and actin genes were also sequenced. All nucleotide sequences from all isolates consistently identified them as P. olseni, as did their in vitro cell cycles and zoosporulation characteristics. All in vitro isolate cultures and their respective monoclonal derivative strains were cryopreserved and deposited for archiving and distribution by the American Type Culture Collection (http://www.atcc.org).
Use of CsCl to Enhance the Glass Stability Range of Tellurite Glasses for Er3+‐Doped Optical Fiber Drawing
Authors: Eyzaguirre Carmen Rosa , Rodriguez Eugenio , Chillcce Enver Fernandez , Osório Sérgio Paulo Amaral , Cesar Carlos Lenz , Barbosa Luiz Carlos , Mazali Italo Odone , Alves Oswaldo Luiz
Published: May 2007

Tellurite glasses are important as a host of Er3+ ions because of their good solubility and because they present broadband optical gain compared with Er3+‐doped silica, with the potential to increase the bandwidth of communication systems. However, the small glass stability range (GSR) of tellurite glasses compromises the quality of the optical fibers. We show that the addition of CsCl to tellurite glasses can increase their GSR, making it easier to draw good‐quality optical fibers. CsCl acts like a network modifier in glass systems, weakening the network by forming Te–Cl bonds. We show that the thermal expansion coefficient mismatch is in the right direction for optical fiber fabrication purposes and that the Bi2O3 content can be used to control the refractive index of clad and core glasses. Single‐mode and multi‐mode Er3+‐doped optical fibers were produced by the rod‐in‐tube method using highly homogeneous TeO2–ZnO–Li2O–Bi2O3–CsCl glasses.
Inter‐Conversion of Mn+1AXn Phases in the Ti–Al–C System
Authors: Kisi Erich H. , Wu Erdong , Zobec Jennifer S. , Forrester Jennifer S. , Riley Daniel P.
Published: May 2007

It is demonstrated that the Mn+1AXn phase Ti3AlC2 may be readily synthesized by sintering a stoichiometric mixture of the lower order MAX phase Ti2AlC mixed with a stoichiometric amount of TiC in the temperature range 1350°–1450 °C. High‐quality Ti3AlC2 was readily produced using sintering times in the range 2–5 h. In general, <2% of unwanted or remnant phases were found to be present and in some samples none could be detected at all.
Acute myeloid leukaemia secondary to treatment with capecitabine for metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Shapiro Susan , Hughes George , Al‐Obaidi Magda Jabbar , O’Reilly Eamon , Ramesh Subramanian , Smith Jason , Ahmad Riz , Dawson Charlotte , Riddle Pippa , Sekhar Mallika
Published: May 2007

A 63‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with acute myelo‐monocytic leukaemia, associated with MLL gene rearrangement, 16 months after completion of oral capecitabine for metastatic colon cancer. Capecitabine, recommended for use in metastatic breast and colon cancer and more recently as adjuvant treatment of colon cancer, has not previously been reported to be associated with secondary cancer.
Evaluation of the Relationship between Subjects’ Perception and Professional Assessment of Esthetic Treatment Needs
Authors: Tortopidis Dimitrios , Hatzikyriakos Andreas , Kokoti Maria , Menexes George , Tsiggos Nikolaos
Published: May 2007

Purpose:  The purposes of the present study were to (1) evaluate the esthetic dental treatment need by means of two special questionnaires, (2) determine the reliability and the construct validity of the measurement scales derived from these questionnaires, and (3) investigate the relationship between Greek subjects’ perception and a professional examiner’s assessment regarding the esthetic treatment need.

Materials and Methods:  Participants in this survey consisted of 132 subjects (48 males with mean age 39.0 ± 14.5 years old, 84 females with mean age 41.7 ± 14.5 years old) with natural teeth and fixed restorations. Subjects were asked to complete a special self‐evaluation questionnaire consisting of 12 items. During the next stage, all participants were clinically examined by an experienced examiner and the data collected were used to fill out a second special professional assessment questionnaire consisting of 20 items. The forms structure used were in accordance with well‐established indices used in orthodontics for assessing esthetic treatment need.

Results:  The reliability of the multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) analysis‐derived scales was very satisfactory (Cronbach’s a coefficient: a =0.82) for the total scale of the self‐evaluation measurement. For the professional assessment scale, the reliability of the total scale was almost perfect (a=0.92). The MCA revealed one reliable factorial construct for the self‐evaluation measurement scale and two reliable constructs for the professional measurement scale. Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated a very low agreement between self‐evaluation and professional measurement scales.

Conclusion:  The findings of this survey suggest that there was a relative disagreement between subjects’ perception and professional assessment regarding the need for esthetic dental treatment.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In the present survey, the agreement between subjects’ perception and clinical assessment of esthetic dental treatment need was found to be very low, which highlighted the discrepancies between patients’ and dentists’ perceptions of esthetic needs.
First Record of the Army Ant Cheliomyrmex morosus in Panama and its High Associate Diversity
Authors: Berghoff Stefanie M. , Franks Nigel R.
Published: May 2007

The occurrence and distribution of hypogaeic army ants is still poorly known despite their potential importance for tropical soil ecosystems. We present the first record of one of the most cryptic of army ants, Cheliomyrmex morosus, in Panama and list a diverse array of associated arthropods. The late discovery of these ants and high diversity of their associates indicates that much remains to be discovered even in one of the most intensely studied research areas.
Ethics, Law, and Commercial Surrogacy: A Call for Uniformity
Authors: Drabiak Katherine , Wegner Carole , Fredland Valita , Helft Paul R.
Published: May 2007

In July of 2005, Indianapolis witnessed streaming headlines in the local newspaper attempting to distill the confusion surrounding the adoption of two premature infants by an adoptive parent. Thirteen articles and opinion pieces introduced the public to a murky legal and ethical transaction. Stating his overwhelming desire to have children, a New Jersey schoolteacher hired the services of a local attorney. The attorney procured a South Carolina woman for a compensated gestational surrogacy contract. Under the contract, the surrogate and the attorney would meet in Indiana to complete the execution of the contract and transfer parental rights via adoption after the birth of the twins.
Genetic Testing and Disability Insurance: An Alternative Opinion
Authors: Dodge John H. , Christianson David J.
Published: May 2007

The paper by Susan M. Wolf and Jeffrey P. Kahn published in this issue of the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics notes that we are members of the Working Group on Genetic Testing in Disability Insurance and that the members of the Working Group do not necessarily subscribe to its recommendations. Although we agree with some of Wolf and Kahn's recommendations, we do not agree with recommendations 1, 3, 4, and 5 for individual disability insurance and recommendations 1, 2, and 3 for group disability insurance. We use this paper to delineate our areas of disagreement, but we do not discuss areas such as employment law as they are not our areas of expertise.

First, understanding our roles on the Working Group is important. As members, we provided technical expertise on disability insurance. Our input to the Working Group represents our individual opinions.