bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole genome analysis of the marine Bacteroidetes‘Gramella forsetii’ reveals adaptations to degradation of polymeric organic matter
Authors: Bauer Margarete , Kube Michael , Teeling Hanno , Richter Michael , Lombardot Thierry , Allers Elke , Würdemann Chris A. , Quast Christian , Kuhl Heiner , Knaust Florian , Woebken Dagmar , Bischof Kerstin , Mussmann Marc , Choudhuri Jomuna V. , Meyer Folker , Reinhardt Richard , Amann Rudolf I. , Glöckner Frank Oliver
Published: October 2006

Members of the Bacteroidetes, formerly known as the Cytophaga‐Flavobacteria‐Bacteroides (CFB) phylum, are among the major taxa of marine heterotrophic bacterioplankton frequently found on macroscopic organic matter particles (marine snow). In addition, they have been shown to also represent a significant part of free‐living microbial assemblages in nutrient‐rich microenvironments. Their abundance and distribution pattern in combination with enzymatic activity studies has led to the notion that organisms of this group are specialists for degradation of high molecular weight compounds in both the dissolved and particulate fraction of the marine organic matter pool, implying a major role of Bacteroidetes in the marine carbon cycle. Despite their ecological importance, comprehensive molecular data on organisms of this group have been scarce so far. Here we report on the first whole genome analysis of a marine Bacteroidetes representative, ‘Gramella forsetii’ KT0803. Functional analysis of the predicted proteome disclosed several traits which in joint consideration suggest a clear adaptation of this marine Bacteroidetes representative to the degradation of high molecular weight organic matter, such as a substantial suite of genes encoding hydrolytic enzymes, a predicted preference for polymeric carbon sources and a distinct capability for surface adhesion.
Weight gain and insulin requirement in type 2 diabetic patients during the first year after initiating insulin therapy dependent on baseline BMI
Authors: Biesenbach G. , Raml A. , Alsaraji N.
Published: October 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine differences, if any, in weight gain and increased insulin requirements in insulin‐treated type 2 diabetic patients with a normal and an elevated body mass index (BMI).

Methods:  A total of 192 patients with newly insulinized type 2 diabetes were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: those with BMI <26 (n = 102), BMI 26–30 (n = 50) and those with BMI >30 (n = 40). At the beginning of insulin therapy and 12 months later, we compared HbA1c, BMI and required insulin doses in each group and evaluated weight gain and the increase in insulin requirement during the observation period. Moreover, we investigated the influence of additional metformin therapy on weight gain and insulin requirement.

Results:  Body weight increased in the group with normal BMI from 68.8 ± 9.2 to 70.8 ± 9.4 kg (+2.9%) and in the other groups from 79.0 ± 9.3 to 81.2 ± 8.4 (+2.8%) and from 96.2 ± 11.2 to 99.1 ± 16.5 kg (+3.0%) respectively. The differences between the groups were not significant. The insulin requirement increased by 22% in the normal‐weighted group and by 23% in both groups with overweight. The reduction in mean HbA1c was similar in the three groups (22, 18 and 22%). Under additional metformin therapy, the increment of insulin requirement of all patients (n = 40) was significantly lower (11 vs. 26%, p < 0.01), and there was no significant difference between the groups with different BMIs. During the same period, the gain in body weight and the decrease of HbA1c were not significantly different in the patients with and without metformin independent on the BMI.

Conclusions:  The risk for weight gain and increase in insulin requirement is similar in insulin‐treated type 2 diabetic patients with normal and elevated BMI. Additional metformin therapy reduces insulin requirement in patients with and without overweight.
Multiple mealtime administration of biphasic insulin aspart 30 versus traditional basal‐bolus human insulin treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Chen J. ‐W. , Lauritzen T. , Bojesen A. , Christiansen J. S.
Published: October 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to compare the effect of multiple mealtime injections of biphasic insulin aspart 30 (30% fast‐acting insulin aspart in the formulation, BIAsp30) to traditional basal‐bolus human insulin regimen (HI) on glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Methods:  Twenty‐three patients (eight women and 15 men) aged 44.8 (20.6–62.5) years (median and range) with a diabetes duration of 19.5 (1.6–44.6) years completed the study. All eligible patients were randomly assigned to BIAsp30 thrice daily supplied with bedtime NPH insulin when necessary, or basal‐bolus HI for 12 weeks and then switched to the alternative regimen for another 12 weeks. The insulin dose adjustments were made by patients on the basis of advice from a diabetes nurse. At end of each treatment period, the patients attended two profile days, 1 week apart for pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic assessments. HbA1C was measured at baseline and at the end of each treatment period. A seven‐point self‐monitored blood glucose (SMBG) was obtained twice weekly.

Results:  In comparison with HI, multiple mealtime injections of BIAsp30 resulted in a significant reduction in HbA1C[HI vs. BIAsp30 (%, geometric mean and range): 8.6 (7.4–11.4) vs. 8.3 (6.7–9.8), p = 0.013]. During treatment with BIAsp30, nighttime glycaemic control was significantly improved. Day‐to‐day variation in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and the rate of hypoglycaemia were not increased with BIAsp30 compared with HI.

Conclusions:  In type 1 diabetics, multiple mealtime administration of BIAsp30 compared with traditional basal‐bolus human insulin treatment significantly improves long‐term glycaemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia. Despite a higher proportion of intermediate‐acting insulin, thrice‐daily injections with BIAsp30 do not increase the day‐to‐day variations in insulin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Future Orientation in the Self‐System: Possible Selves, Self‐Regulation, and Behavior
Authors: Hoyle Rick H. , Sherrill Michelle R.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT
Possible selves are representations of the self in the future. Early theoretical accounts of the construct suggested that possible selves directly influence motivation and behavior. We propose an alternative view of possible selves as a component in self‐regulatory processes through which motivation and behavior are influenced. We demonstrate the advantages of this conceptualization in two studies that test predictions generated from theoretical models of self‐regulation in which the possible selves construct could be embedded. In one study, we show how viewing possible selves as a source of behavioral standards in a control‐process model of self‐regulation yields support for a set of predictions about the influence of possible selves on current behavior. In the other study, we examine possible selves in the context of an interpersonal model of self‐regulation, showing strong evidence of concern for relational value in freely generated hoped‐for and feared selves. These findings suggest that the role of possible selves in motivation and behavior can be profitably studied in models that fully specify the process of self‐regulation and that those models can be enriched by a consideration of future‐oriented self‐representations. We offer additional recommendations for strengthening research on possible selves and self‐regulation.
Self‐Regulation Processes and Health: The Importance of Optimism and Goal Adjustment
Authors: Rasmussen Heather N. , Wrosch Carsten , Scheier Michael F. , Carver Charles S.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT
This article discusses how self‐regulatory models can be used to understand people's response to health threats. The article begins with a general discussion of the principles and assumptions of self‐regulatory models of behavior. Two distinct lines of research are then presented addressing two important processes of adaptive self‐regulation. First, we provide a brief overview of the literature on optimism and adjustment to chronic disease and other health outcomes. Second, we present an overview of the process of disengagement from unattainable goals, focusing on recent research. We close by making recommendations for future research.
The Pursuit of Self‐Esteem: Contingencies of Self‐Worth and Self‐Regulation
Authors: Crocker Jennifer , Brook Amara T. , Niiya Yu , Villacorta Mark
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT
Successful self‐regulation is defined as the willingness to exert effort toward one's most important goals, while taking setbacks and failures as opportunities to learn, identify weaknesses and address them, and develop new strategies toward achieving those goals. Contingencies of self‐worth can facilitate self‐regulation because people are highly motivated to succeed and avoid failure in domains of contingency. However, because boosts in self‐esteem are pleasurable and drops in self‐esteem are painful, protection, maintenance, and enhancement of self‐esteem can become the overriding goal. Several pitfalls for self‐regulation can result, especially when tasks are difficult and failure is likely. In this article, we describe a program of research examining these self‐regulation pitfalls associated with contingent self‐worth and suggest that learning orientations, particularly the willingness to embrace failure for the learning it affords, foster successful self‐regulation even in people with highly contingent self‐esteem.
Rural Movements in Europe: Scandinavia and the Accession States
Authors: Halhead Vanessa
Published: October 2006

This paper explores the national rural/village movements now established in some 16 European countries, with special focus on those in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. The aim of the paper is to raise awareness by providing information on the significance of rural social movements, rather than to attempt a detailed analysis. Starting in the 1970s in some Scandinavian and Western European countries, as a local community response to rural decline, the village movements have built into major national forces, and have recently expanded into the EU accession states in Central and Eastern Europe. They were established to address issues of rural decline, agricultural change, migration, centralization and EU accession. They are now also organizing themselves at EU level, to provide a voice for rural communities in Europe. This is a notable example of a structured approach to mobilizing rural communities to become stronger agents of local development and to participate in rural policy‐making at local, regional, national and EU levels. The paper draws on information gained in a recently completed initial investigation of the national village movements in Estonia, Finland, Slovakia and Denmark, together with information from Sweden. The information is based on that gathered from a wide range of interviews and the minimal documentation available from the movements themselves. The experiences of the movements in enabling local structural development, capacity‐building, empowerment and action are documented, as is their work to develop strategic planning and advocacy. The paper identifies the motivating forces, structural and process models, activities and outcomes of the different movements. It takes account of the effects of differing national contexts, and identifies some key elements of experience and learning.
Transfer and transformation in processes of Europeanization
Authors: PEDERSEN LENE HOLM
Published: October 2006

Abstract.  There is a missing link between studies that investigate how regulation is becoming more similar, on the one hand, and studies that focus on how national policy styles and administrative traditions create patterns of stable diversity on the other. This article attempts to bridge these views in an analysis of how ideas transform as they transfer. The article shows that the idea of creating independent regulatory authorities (IRAs) has become institutionalized as a ‘script’ regarding how the regulation of liberalized electricity markets ought to be organized. This script has transferred to the European Union 15 Member States (EU‐15) in processes moving from mimetic and normative to more coercive isomorphism, but the transformation is influenced by the way the need for credibility is mediated by contextual factors. Thus IRAs have more formal independence in countries formerly dominated by state ownership, where policy makers are perceived as corrupt and where decentralization is low. In this way, the analysis reveals how impulses of institutional change from the international arena are mediated by more stable and robust institutional factors at the domestic level.
Vagus Nerve Prolonged Stimulation in Cats: Effects on Epileptogenesis (Amygdala Electrical Kindling): Behavioral and Electrographic Changes
Authors: Fernández‐Guardiola A. , Martínez A. , Valdés‐Cruz A. , Magdaleno‐Madrigal V. M. , Martínez D. , Fernández‐Mas R.
Published: October 2006

Summary: Purpose: To analyze the effect of prolonged (daily) electrical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on daily amygdaloid kindling (AK) in freely moving cats.

Methods: Fifteen adult male cats were implanted in both temporal lobe amygdalae, both lateral geniculate bodies, and prefrontal cortices. A bipolar hook (5‐mm separation) stainless steel electrode also was implanted in the unsectioned left vagus nerve. AK only was performed on five of the cats as a control. The remaining 10 cats were recorded under the following experimental conditions: VNS (1.2–2.0 mA, 0.5‐ms pulses, 30 Hz) for 1 min along with AK (1‐s train, 1‐ms pulses, 60 Hz, 300–600 μA), followed by VNS alone for 1 min, four times between 11:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. At different times, VNS was arrested, and AK was continued until stage VI kindling was reached.

Results: The behavioral changes evoked by VNS were as follows: left miosis, blinking, licking, abdominal contractions, swallowing, and eventually yawning, meowing, upward gaze, and short head movements. Compulsive eating also was present with a variable latency. Outstanding polygraphic changes consisted of augmentation of eye movements and visual evoked potentials while the animal was awake and quiet, with immobility and upward gaze. An increase of the pontogeniculooccipital (PGO) wave density in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep also was noticeable. AK was completed (to stage VI) in the control animals without a vagus nerve implantation in 23.4 ± 3.7 trials. In animals with VNS, the AK was significantly delayed, remaining for a long time in the behavioral stages I‐III and showing a reduction of afterdischarge duration and frequency. Stage VI was never reached despite 50 AK trials, except when the vagus nerve electrodes were accidentally broken or vagal stimulation was intentionally arrested. Under these circumstances, 24.4 ± 8.16 AK trials alone were necessary to reach stage VI of kindling.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that left, electrical VNS interferes with AK epileptogenesis. This anticonvulsant effect could be related to the increase of REM sleep.
A Particular Type of Epilepsy in Children with Congenital Hemiparesis Associated with Unilateral Polymicrogyria
Authors: Caraballo Roberto , Cersósimo Ricardo , Fejerman Natalio
Published: October 2006

Summary: Purpose: Polymicrogyria (PMG) is often associated with symptomatic focal epilepsy and neurologic dysfunction. We investigated the clinical and laboratory features of a group of children with congenital hemiparesis, unilateral poly‐microgyria on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a peculiar epileptic syndrome.

Methods: Twelve patients (seven girls and five boys) with a mean age of 7.8 years (range, 5–13 years) were studied. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, computed tomography (CT) and MRI scanning, and neuropsychological assessment at initial examination. Patients were followed up from 1 to 7 years (mean, 4.5 years).

Results: Partial motor seizures with secondary generalization with onset between age 1 and 6 years (mean age, 2 years) were recorded in all patients. The course of epilepsy was similar in all patients with development of atypical absences, negative myoclonus, and gait difficulties. EEG recording demonstrated continuous spike‐wave or bilateral abnormality throughout. Frequent relapses of the atonic and myoclonic seizures were seen in seven patients. However, during follow‐up, seven patients were seizure free, and the others have not developed this particular seizure pattern. A single case underwent cortical resection 23 months ago and has had no seizures since then. Mental retardation was mild in nine and moderate in three patients.

Conclusions: Children with unilateral polymicrogyria may develop a syndrome of negative myoclonus seizures that appears to be age specific and responsive to antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. Despite limited follow‐up time, a good outcome was observed in most cases.
Learning and Memory Impairment in Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Relation to the Presence, Type, and Location of Brain Lesion
Authors: Giovagnoli Anna R. , Avanzini Giuliano
Published: October 2006

Summary: Purpose: To study the influence of epileptogenic lesions on learning and memory alterations in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods: We studied 131 patients (55 with left and 39 with right lesional TLE; 22 with left and 15 with right cryptogenic TLE) and 36 healthy subjects. We compared these groups by using a battery of tests to assess verbal and visual learning, delayed recall, and recall after the imposition of interfering activity.

Results: Compared with the controls and patients with right TLE, the patients with left TLE were significantly impaired on all verbal tests. On visual tests, patients with right TLE were impaired compared with controls but not more so than patients with left TLE. Separate multivariate analyses of variance (MA‐NOVAs) of patients' verbal and visual test scores, taking the TLE side and morphologic features of the temporal lobes (i.e., normal, hippocampal sclerosis, low‐grade glioma, or cavernous angioma) as independent factors, did not show any significant effect of these features. Separate comparisons of verbal and visual test scores of patients with lesional TLE, taking the side and location (mesial or lateral) of the epileptogenic lesion as independent factors, did not show any significant effect of location.

Conclusions: Our findings show that some learning and memory abilities are impaired in patients with TLE irrespective of the presence of overt damage. This supports the theory that focal epileptic discharges, rather than the lesions themselves, affect these functions. The pathologic characteristics and intratemporal location of an associated lesion do not seem to play an important role in determining learning and memory impairment when clinical and treatment‐related factors are taken into account.
A Comparison of Magnetoencephalography, MRI, and V‐EEG in Patients Evaluated for Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Wheless J. W. , Willmore L. J. , Breier J. I. , Kataki M. , Smith J. R. , King D. W. , Meador K. J. , Park Y. D. , Loring D. W. , Clifton G. L. , Baumgartner J. , Thomas A. B. , Constantinou J. E. C. , Papanicolaou A. C.
Published: October 2006

Summary: Purpose: To determine the efficacy and relative contribution of several diagnostic methods [ictal and interictal scalp and intracranial EEG, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG)] in identifying the epileptogenic zone for resection.

Methods: This was a prospective study using a masked comparison‐to‐criterion standard. Fifty‐eight consecutive patients with refractory partial epilepsy from two university comprehensive epilepsy programs were studied. Patients who were evaluated for and underwent epilepsy surgery were recruited. The main outcome measure was the efficacy of each diagnostic method to identify the resected epileptogenic zone, when referenced to surgical outcome.

Results: MEG (52%) was second only to ictal intracranial V‐EEG in predicting the epileptogenic zone for the entire group of patients who had an excellent surgical outcome (seizure free or rare seizure). In a subanalysis, for patients who had temporal lobe surgery, this same relation was seen (MEG, 57%, ictal intracranial V‐EEG, 62%). With extratemporal resection, ictal (81%) and interictal (75%) intracranial EEG were superior to MEG (44%) in predicting the surgery site in those patients with an excellent outcome. Finally, for all patients who had a good surgical outcome, MEG (52%) was better than ictal (33%) or interictal (45%) scalp VEEG in predicting the site of surgery.

Conclusions: These results indicate that MEG is a very promising diagnostic method and raise the possibility that it may obviate the need for invasive EEG in some cases or reduce the length of scalp EEG evaluation in others.
Epileptic Seizures Induced by Animated Cartoon, “Pocket Monster”
Authors: Takada Hiroyuki , Aso Kosaburo , Watanabe Kazuyoshi , Okumura Akihisa , Negoro Tamiko , Ishikawa Tatsuya
Published: October 2006

Summary: Purpose: A large number of children had fits while watching the animated cartoon television (TV) program “Pocket Monster.” To elucidate the seizures associated with the TV program, we administered a questionnaire survey in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Methods: The questionnaires were sent to 75 hospitals located in and around Aichi prefecture. The presence of epileptic seizures and the types of seizures were determined by three pediatric neurologists.

Results: Sixty‐one hospitals responded to the questionnaire survey. Among 95 patients living in Aichi prefecture for whom enough information on seizure manifestations and EEG was available, ≤93 patients were considered to have epileptic seizures while watching the TV program. Most seizures occurred at a scene in which red and blue frames alternated at 12 Hz. Sixty‐nine (74%) patients had no history of epilepsy. Thirty‐nine patients had generalized seizures, and 49 patients had partial seizures. Partial seizures occurred more frequently in the younger age group than did generalized seizures. The EEG revealed a photoparoxysmal response (PPR) in 43% of patients. PPR was present not only in patients with a history of epilepsy (54%) but also in those with no history of epilepsy (38%).

Conclusions: Almost all seizures induced by the TV program “Pocket Monster” were epileptic, and partial seizures were induced more frequently than generalized seizures. The incidence of this “Pocket Monster”‐induced seizures was roughly estimated as ≥1 in 4,923 individuals aged 6–18 years.
A Case of Startle Epilepsy and SSMA Seizures Documented with Subdural Recordings
Authors: Serles Wolfgang , Leutmezer Fritz , Pataraia Ekaterina , Olbrich Achim , Gröppel Gudrun , Czech Thomas , Baumgartner Christoph
Published: October 2006

Summary: Purpose: To study the mechanisms of startle‐induced supplementary sensorimotor area (SSMA) seizures.

Methods: We present a patient investigated with indwelling subdural grid electrodes covering both the SSMA and the dorsolateral frontal lobe.

Results: We found a simultaneous seizure onset in the right dorsolateral premotor cortex and the right SSMA. High‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a small subcortical lesion adjacent to the right SSMA. The patient became seizure free after resection of the lesion and the ictalonset zone.

Conclusions: We conclude that an extended region of abnormally excitable tissue within the frontal lobe could facilitate the generation of startle‐induced seizures. We speculate that a widespread epileptogenic zone could help to explain why some patients with SSMA or dorsolateral frontal lobe seizures are more likely to have startle‐induced seizures.
Epilepsy and Its Treatment in the Ancient Cultures of America
Authors: Elferink Jan G. R.
Published: October 2006

Summary: Epilepsy was a well‐recognized disease in pre‐Columbian America, as appears from the reports of the Spanish chroniclers of the sixteenth century. Both the Aztecs and the Incas strongly associated epilepsy with magic and religion, which is evident from their ideas about the pathogenesis and treatment of the disease. Apart from treatment of epilepsy by magic means, the Incas and especially the Aztecs used in addition a large number of botanic medicines; the use of these medicines probably had an empiric nature.
The Evolving Role of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitor Therapy in Contemporary Care of Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients
Authors: TRICOCI PIERLUIGI , PETERSON ERIC D.
Published: October 2006

Results from clinical trials of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa(GPIIb/IIIa) inhibitors during the past decade have established their current role in the treatment of non‐ST ‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and in percutaneous coronary interventions. However, there are still unanswered questions on optimal use of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors. Moreover, as new concomitant or alternative medications become available, the role of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors must be reconsidered. This review discusses, in the light of clinical trials recently presented, what we know, what we are learning, and what we still need to learn.
Off‐Label Use: An Industry Perspective on Expanding Use Beyond Approved Indications
Authors: RUSSELL MARY E. , FRIEDMAN MARK I. , MASCIOLI STEPHEN R. , STOLZ LESLIE E.
Published: October 2006

The use of a medical device outside of its approved label is commonly referred to as “off‐label use.” Off‐label use arises when physicians see the opportunity to leverage an approved therapy for an unmet patient need. This practice typically occurs on a case by case basis without clear documentation of indication, frequency, or outcomes. Sponsors have a responsibility to consider formal indication expansion depending on the actual use, how well the therapy fits the unmet need, product iteration cycles, adoption speed, resource demands, and the clinical risk to benefit ratio. This responsibility is particularly relevant for breakthrough technologies where adoption patterns can span a variety of uses. For Boston Scientific's drug‐eluting stent program, a surveillance program was developed in collaboration with the FDA to compile information on practice patterns and safety outcomes for the TAXUS® Express2™ Paclitaxel‐Eluting Coronary Stent System. The ARRIVE program has used a Web‐based format to collect real‐time data on TAXUS stent use. This >7,000 patient registry documents both on‐label and off‐label use and key safety measures for the TAXUS stent. This real‐world registry has successfully provided a data‐driven approach to BSC's product development strategy, including the initiation of formal label expansion programs. For complex or combination products, more innovative ways of capturing risk to benefit data are needed to define off‐label use and to maximize the potential therapeutic utility as supported by safety data.
Predictors of Recurrent In‐Stent Restenosis after Beta‐Radiation: An Analysis from the START 40/20 Trial
Authors: KANEDA HIDEAKI , HONDA YASUHIRO , MORINO YOSHIHIRO , LANSKY ALEXANDRA J. , YOCK PAUL G. , BONAN RAOUL , FITZGERALD PETER J.
Published: October 2006

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify potential predictors, including clinical, procedural, angiographic, and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) parameters, for recurrent in‐stent restenosis (ISR) following beta‐radiation 90Strontium/Yttrium (90Sr/Y) in a large multicenter trial.

Background: Although adjunct brachytherapy reduces recurrent ISR after primary catheter‐based intervention, recurrence of stenosis after brachytherapy still occurs.

Methods: We analyzed 185 IVUS cohort patients in the STent And Restenosis Therapy (START) 40/20 trial where a 40‐mm, 90Sr/Y, radioactive source train was exclusively used for treatment of ISR to be treatable with a 20‐mm balloon.

Results: Thirty‐nine patients underwent target lesion revascularization. Preliminary univariate analysis showed that age, smoking, balloon/artery ratio, geographic miss, minimum lumen diameter, and diameter stenosis at baseline were associated with target lesion revascularization, while none of IVUS variables were (minimum lumen area, minimum stent area, or residual plaque burden). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that younger age, lower balloon/artery ratio, and presence of geographic miss were independent predictors of target lesion revascularization.

Conclusions: Even with adjunct beta‐radiation therapy, initial mechanical optimization, such as appropriate balloon sizing and positioning, may be critical for the prevention of recurrent ISR.
Proceedings of TCT: Current Status of Catheter‐Based Mitral Valve Repair Therapies
Authors: FELDMAN TED
Published: October 2006

A variety of advances have recently facilitated development of methods to treat mitral regurgitation using catheter techniques via the percutaneous route. These include placing devices into the coronary sinus to support the mitral annulus and direct percutaneous leaflet repair. These approaches are already attractive for use in older patients and will hopefully make treatments available to many with no current options.
Age‐Based Differences of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Drug‐Eluting Stent Era
Authors: FLOYD KEVIN C. , JAYNE JOHN E. , KAPLAN AARON V. , FRIEDMAN BRUCE J. , NILES NATHANIEL W. , HETTLEMAN BRUCE D. , ROBB JOHN F. , THOMPSON CRAIG A.
Published: October 2006

Introduction: Limited data are available on contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) practice patterns and outcomes in elderly patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate “real‐world” PCI in elderly and nonelderly patients during the first year of availability of drug‐eluting stents (DES) in the United States market (May 1, 2003–April 30, 2004). Methods: One thousand one hundred sixty‐six consecutive patients (272 elderly [age ≥75 years] and 894 nonelderly [age <75 years]) having PCI for de novo coronary artery disease (CAD) at Dartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical Center were included in this study. Primary outcome measures of this study were in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE—death, new MI, urgent revascularization). Secondary end points included acute renal failure, respiratory failure, and vascular complications. Results: Elderly patients had higher MACE (8.5% vs 1.5%, P ≤ 0.001), unadjusted in‐hospital mortality (7.4% vs 0.8%, P ≤ 0.001), in‐hospital cardiac arrest (1.5% vs 0.3%, P = 0.03), requirements for assisted blood pressure support (13.2% vs 7.0%, P = 0.0001), respiratory failure (2.2% vs 0.9%, P = 0.08), acute renal failure (2.9% vs 0.8%, P = 0.005), and vascular complications (10.3% vs 5.5%, P = 0.005) than their nonelderly counterparts. Higher MACE rates persisted in the elderly despite correction for baseline differences using multivariate regression modeling. Conclusions: Advanced age remains a predictor of adverse outcomes attending PCI even in the contemporary era in which DES are available. This study highlights the need for further progress and investigation to optimize outcomes of PCI in the elderly.
Coronary Venous Capture of Contrast during Angiography
Authors: MEYER MARKUS , DAUERMAN HAROLD L. , BELL STEPHEN P. , LEWINTER MARTIN M. , LUSTGARTEN DANIEL L.
Published: October 2006

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) after angiographic procedures results in significant morbidity, mortality, and costs. Given the limitations of current prophylactic measures, we have tested the hypothesis that the majority of the contrast injected into a coronary artery can be captured from the coronary sinus before it enters the systemic circulation. The current study involves coronary venous capture after coronary angiography in dogs with determination of contrast capture using quantitative fluoroscopy. Venous contrast capture (VCC) was achieved with a balloon tipped through lumen catheter introduced into the coronary sinus via the superior vena cava. After selective injection of iohexol contrast into the left main coronary artery, the coronary sinus was balloon occluded in order to capture all contrast. The venous blood was subsequently withdrawn from the coronary sinus catheter, and then the balloon was deflated. By quantitative fluoroscopy we could demonstrate that an average 70 ± 6% of the injected contrast could be captured without complications. Coronary sinus VCC is a novel approach to remove the majority of contrast selectively injected into coronary arteries. As an adjunct procedure in coronary angiography, VCC has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of CIN in patients at risk.
IS THERE A VIABLE PETROLEUM SYSTEM IN THE CARSON AND SALAR BASINS, OFFSHORE NEWFOUNDLAND?
Authors: Wielens J.B.W. , Jauer C.D. , Williams G.L.
Published: October 2006

The Carson Basin on the eastern Grand Banks of Newfoundland has been penetrated by four wells ‐ Bonnition H‐32, Osprey H‐84, Skua E‐41 and St. George J‐55 ‐ which were drilled along its western margin. The adjacent deeper‐water Salar Basin to the east remains undrilled with the exception of ODP holes 1276A and 1277. The Carson Basin wells contain a thick Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary section which includes reservoirs and seals; but source rocks, such as those present in the adjacent Jeanne d'Arc Basin, have not been found. To assess the petroleum system, well samples were collected to provide Rock Eval and vitrinite reflectance data, and analysed biostratigraphically to obtain ages and depositional environments. These analyses indicate that a Late Jurassic source rock, similar to the Egret Member (of the Rankin Formation) of the Jeanne d'Arc Basin, may be present in the deeper‐water, distal parts of the Carson and Salar Basins; this is based on a regional palaeotectonic reconstruction, together with gravity and magnetic data, including sea‐floor spreading magnetic anomalies. We interpret the absence of the Egret Member in the four wells to reflect the wells' locations rather than the Member's absence from the two basins.

An integrated 4D model of the Carson Basin was built from biostratigraphy and seismic surfaces, to which an Egret‐like source rock was added. The modelling showed that significant volumes of hydrocarbons could have been generated, mostly during the main Late Cretaceous drifting event in the area. Hence, significant volumes of hydrocarbons could be present in the Carson and Salar Basins, mainly in stratigraphic traps in Early Cretaceous clastic reservoirs.
PETROLEUM POTENTIAL, THERMAL MATURITY AND THE OIL WINDOW OF OIL SHALES AND COALS IN CENOZOIC RIFT BASINS, CENTRAL AND NORTHERN THAILAND
Authors: Petersen H. I. , Foopatthanakamol A. , Ratanasthien B.
Published: October 2006

Oil shales and coals occur in Cenozoic rift basins in central and northern Thailand. Thermally immature outcrops of these rocks may constitute analogues for source rocks which have generated oil in several of these rift basins. A total of 56 oil shale and coal samples were collected from eight different basins and analysed in detail in this study. The samples were analysed for their content of total organic carbon (TOC) and elemental composition. Source rock quality was determined by Rock‐Eval pyrolysis. Reflected light microscopy was used to analyse the organic matter (maceral) composition of the rocks, and the thermal maturity was determined by vitrinite reflectance (VR) measurements. In addition to the 56 samples, VR measurements were carried out in three wells from two oil‐producing basins and VR gradients were constructed. Rock‐Eval screening data from one of the wells is also presented. The oil shales were deposited in freshwater (to brackish) lakes with a high preservation potential (TOC contents up to 44.18 wt%). They contain abundant lamalginite and principally algal‐derived fluorescing amorphous organic matter followed by liptodetrinite and telalginite (Botryococcus‐type). Huminite may be present in subordinate amounts. The coals are completely dominated by huminite and were formed in freshwater mires. VR values from 0.38 to 0.47%Ro show that the exposed coals are thermally immature. VR values from the associated oil shales are suppressed by 0.11 to 0.28%Ro. The oil shales have H/C ratios >1.43, and Hydrogen Index (HI) values are generally >400 mg HC/g TOC and may reach 704 mg HC/ gTOC. In general, the coals have H/C ratios between about 0.80 and 0.90, and the HI values vary considerably from approximately 50 to 300 mg HC/gTOC. The HImax of the coals, which represent the true source rock potential, range from ∼160 to 310 mg HC/g TOC indicating a potential for oil/gas and oil generation. The steep VR curves from the oil‐producing basins reflect high geothermal gradients of ∼62°C/km and ∼92°C/km. The depth to the top oil window for the oil shales at a VR of ∼0.70%Ro is determined to be between ∼1100 m and 1800 m depending on the geothermal gradient. The kerogen composition of the oil shales and the high geothermal gradients result in narrow oil windows, possibly spanning only ∼300 to 400 m in the warmest basins. The effective oil window of the coals is estimated to start from ∼0.82 to 0.98%Ro and burial depths of ∼1300 to 1400 m (∼92°C/km) and ∼2100 to 2300 m (∼62°C/km) are necessary for efficient oil expulsion to occur.
Trichome production and spatiotemporal variation in herbivory in the perennial herb Arabidopsis lyrata
Authors: Løe Geir , Toräng Per , Gaudeul Myriam , Ågren Jon
Published: October 2006

Allocation theory suggests that the optimal level of resistance against herbivores should vary with the risk of herbivory if allocation to resistance is costly. The perennial herb Arabidopsis lyrata has a genetically based polymorphism for trichome production and occurs in a glabrous and a trichome‐producing form. Leaf trichomes (hairs) can protect plants against insect herbivores, and may increase tolerance to drought and UV‐radiation. To examine the functional significance of trichome production, we documented the frequency of glabrous plants and damage by insect herbivores in 30 A. lyrata populations in Sweden and Norway. The proportion of glabrous plants ranged from 0.10 to 0.71 (median=0.44) in polymorphic populations; 7 of 12 populations in Norway and 14 of 18 populations in Sweden were monomorphic glabrous, i.e. with fewer than 5% trichome‐producing plants. The mean proportion of the leaf area removed by herbivores varied substantially among populations and years. With few exceptions, glabrous plants were more damaged than trichome‐producing plants in polymorphic populations. The intensity of herbivory quantified as the mean damage to glabrous plants tended to be higher in polymorphic populations than in populations monomorphic for the glabrous morph and was higher in Sweden than in Norway. In Norway, both the magnitude of herbivore damage and the frequency of trichome‐producing plants tended to decrease with increasing altitude. The results indicate that leaf trichomes contribute to resistance against herbivorous insects in A. lyrata, and suggest that herbivore‐mediated selection contributes to the maintenance of the polymorphism in trichome production.
Effects of productivity on species–area curves in herbaceous vegetation: evidence from experimental and observational data
Authors: Chiarucci Alessandro , Viciani Daniele , Winter Christina , Diekmann Martin
Published: October 2006

The effects of productivity on the parameters of the species–area curve were investigated in this paper using two data sets on terrestrial plant communities: (1) one including 48 plots in 12 experimental sites on ploughed, formerly cultivated fields in the Siena region, Italy, and (2) one including 40 plots in hay meadows in the Bremen region, Germany. In both regions, species presence of vascular plants was recorded in nested plots ranging in size from 0.004 to 256 m2 and 0.001 to 1000 m2, respectively. Productivity was estimated as dry standing biomass.

In the Siena data set, species richness showed a humped‐back relation to biomass in the plot sizes up to 1 m2. For the larger plot sizes, no significant correlations were found. In the Bremen data set, positive relation between species number and biomass was observed at the smallest spatial scale (0.001 m2), whereas the relation disappeared or tended to be negative for the larger plot sizes.

In general, the slopes z of the log species–log area curves (SAC) were negatively related to biomass in both data sets, while the intercept c increased with biomass in the Siena data set and was unrelated to biomass in the Bremen data set. The relationship between c and z was negative in the Siena data set and positive in the Bremen data set. The above results differed somewhat depending on which plot sizes were considered for the calculation of the SAC. Literature data confirmed that there are no clear patterns in the inter‐correlations between productivity, small scale and large scale species richness. Sites differing in productivity and in the slopes and intercepts of SAC may thus give rise to different species richness–productivity relationships. There can be one possible relation between species richness and biomass at one spatial scale (e.g. humped‐back) and another type of relation, even opposite, at another spatial scale. This suggests that the properties of species–area curves do not respond in a uniform way to the changes in productivity, but depend on the type of habitat or plant community and its particular properties. The parameter of the SAC can then hardly be used as scale‐independent parameter to investigate the effects of ecological factors, such as productivity, on species richness. The lack of clear patterns in the relations between small scale and large scale species richness implies that the predictions of the species‐pool hypothesis may fail when applied to plot sizes as dealt with in this study.
Scale‐dependent foraging costs: habitat use by rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) determined using giving‐up densities
Authors: Druce Dave J. , Brown Joel S. , Castley J. Guy , Kerley Graham I. H. , Kotler Burt P. , Slotow Rob , Knight Mike H.
Published: October 2006

Individuals select for habitats at different scales. Can a species’ response to different spatial and temporal heterogeneities be placed in a common currency? Is it possible to rank the relative importance of different habitat features on the organism's behavior and ecology? Do the effects of different spatial and temporal heterogeneities interact in predictable ways? To address these questions, we quantified hyrax habitat use at a series of rocky outcrops (koppies) and an isolated gorge in Augrabies Falls National Park, South Africa. We measured the hyraxes’ perceptions of feeding opportunities and costs using giving‐up densities (GUDs) within experimental food patches. At very small spatial scales (2–3 m), we tested whether hyraxes have lower GUDs under cover (shrubs or rocks) or 2–3 m away in the open. Hyraxes valued cover highly, consistently showing lower GUDs in cover microhabitats. This preference did not result from differences in energetic costs, as hyraxes did not track sun in winter or shade in summer. At moderate spatial scales (10–80 m), we tested whether hyraxes act as central place foragers with lower GUDs closer to their dens. GUDs increased with increasing distance to dens at four koppies, but not at the gorge. At larger spatial scales, preferences differed between colonies based on differences in habitat structure, with hyraxes on similar structures (koppies) behaving similarly. We evaluated how foraging costs varied with temporal heterogeneity within the day, among days, and among seasons. Hyraxes showed their lowest GUDs in the early mornings and late afternoons. Hyraxes shifted foraging locations among days, which may result from sentinels shifting location on consecutive days and/or hyraxes managing their food. Differences between GUDs during the various sample periods were not seasonally correlated. We conclude that spatial and temporal habitat utilization by hyraxes may be driven more by predation risk rather than other costs.
Testing the standard neutral model of biodiversity in lake communities
Authors: Walker Steven C. , Cyr Hélène
Published: October 2006

Hubbell's (2001) neutral model describes how local communities are structured if population dynamics are statistically identical among species in a constant, possibly patchy, environment with random speciation. Tests of this model have been restricted largely to terrestrial communities. Here we tested the fit of this neutral model to fish, zooplankton and phytoplankton species–abundance distributions from 30 well‐studied lake communities varying widely in lake size and productivity. We measured the fit of the communities to the neutral model in three ways. All but two zooplankton (7 of 9) and all but three fish (9 of 12) communities were consistent with all three measures of fit. However, all nine phytoplankton communities did not fit the neutral model by at least one measure. This result for phytoplankton communities represents to date the most consistent failure of the standard neutral model to predict the shape of species‐abundance distributions.
Mendel's Law of Heredity
Authors: Castle W. E.
Published: October 2006

1. The basic principle in Mendel's discoveries is that of the purity of the germ-cells; in accordance with this a cross-bred animal or plant produces germ-cells bearing
only one
of each pair of characters in which its parents differ. From it follows the occurrence in the second and later hybrid generations of a definite number of forms in definite numerical proportions.

2. Mendel's principle of dominance is realized in the heredity of a considerable number of characters among both animals and plants. In accordance with this principle, hybrid offspring have visibly the character of only one parent or the other, though they transmit those of both parents.

3. In other cases the hybrid has a distinctive character of its own. This may approximate more or less closely the character of one parent or the other, or it may be entirely different from both. Frequently the distinctive hybrid character resembles a lost ancestral character. In some cases of this sort, as in coat-color of mammals, the hybrid character probably results from a recombination of the characters seen in one or both parents, with certain other characters latent (that is, recessive) in one parent or the other.

4. There have been observed the following exceptions to the principle of dominance, or to the principle of purity of the germ-cells, or to both:

(a) Mosaic inheritance, in which a pair of characters ordinarily related as dominant and recessive occur in a balanced relationship, side by side in the hybrid individual and frequently in its germ-cells also. This balanced condition, once obtained, is usually stable under close breeding, but is readily disturbed by cross-breeding, giving place then to the normal dominance.

(b) Stable (self-perpetuating) hybrid forms result from certain crosses. These constitute an exception to both the law of dominance and to that of purity of the germ-cells. For the hybrid is like neither parent, but the characters of
both
parents exist in a stable union in the mature germ-cells produced by the hybrid.

(c) Coupling,
i. e.
, complete correlation may exist between two or more characters, so that they form a compound unit not separable in heredity, at least in certain crosses.

(d) Disintegration of characters apparently simple may take place in consequence of cross-breeding.

(e) Departures from the expected ratios of dominants to recessives may be explained in some cases as due to inferior vigor, and so greater mortality, on the part of dominants or recessives respectively.

(f) Cases of apparent reversal of dominance may arise from 'false hybridization' (induced parthenogenesis). Possibly in other cases the determination of dominance rests with circumstances as yet unknown.